A 9-month-old infant can sit without support, transfers objects from hand to hand, and babbles with consonant sounds like 'ba-ba'. He regards a pellet but does not pick it up. Which developmental milestone is he yet to achieve?
- A Pincer grasp ✓
- B Object permanence
- C Standing with support
- D Monosyllabic speech
Correct answer: A. Pincer grasp
Explanation
Pincer grasp (picking up a small object between the tip of the thumb and index finger) is a fine motor milestone typically achieved by 9-10 months of age. The infant in this vignette regards the pellet but cannot yet pick it up, indicating the pincer grasp is not yet developed. Object permanence (understanding that objects exist when out of sight) and standing with support are typically achieved around 9 months; monosyllabic babbling is already present in this child.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.