Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

At what age should children start to develop a preference for one hand over the other?

1. Birth to 3 months

2. 3 to 6 months

3. 6 to 12 months

4. 12 to 24 months

The correct answer is: 6 to 12 months

Children typically start to develop a preference for one hand over the other between the ages of 6 to 12 months. This developmental stage is marked by an increase in use of one hand, which often reflects emerging motor skills and cognitive development. By this age, infants have usually begun to engage in more intentional reaching and grasping of objects, which leads to the beginnings of hand dominance. While some infants may show slight preferences or tendencies as early as 3 to 6 months, it is during the later months of the first year that a clearer hand preference begins to emerge. By 12 to 24 months, this hand dominance often becomes more pronounced, but the initial inclination typically arises in the 6 to 12 month range. Understanding this timeline helps caregivers and health professionals appreciate the normal progression of motor skills and supports early identification of any potential developmental concerns.