Handedness refers to the preferred or dominant use of one hand over the other for daily activities. It is a natural and instinctive trait that can be observed in babies as young as six months old.
While most people are right-handed, about 10% of the population is left-handed.
As a parent, it can be exciting to see which hand your baby will favor, but it is important to note that handedness cannot be determined until a child is around two or three years old. However, there are some early signs of how to tell if baby is right or left handed.
Necessary Items for Observing Handedness
Before discussing signs of handedness in babies, it is important to have a few items ready for observation. These include:
- A small toy or object that can be grasped with one hand
- A spoon or other utensil for feeding purposes
- A writing utensil and paper (for later stages)
Having these items on hand will make it easier to observe your baby’s hand preference for different activities.
12 Steps on How to Tell if Baby is Right or Left Handed
Step 1: Offer a Toy
Offer your baby a small toy or object that they can grasp with one hand. Observe which hand they use to reach for the object. This will be their preferred hand for grasping and manipulating objects. As babies may still be developing their fine motor skills, it is normal for them to switch hands several times before settling on one.
Step 2: Place the Toy in Both Hands
Place the toy in both of your baby’s hands and see which hand they let go of first. This will indicate their dominant hand as they are more likely to keep holding onto the object with their dominant hand.
Step 3: Feeding Time
Observe which hand your baby uses to hold and guide the spoon while feeding. This can provide a clearer indication of their preferred hand as they may switch hands less frequently compared to grasping a toy.
Step 4: Offer Toys on Different Sides
Place toys or objects on both sides of your baby and observe which hand they use to reach for each one. This can help determine if your baby has a preferred hand for certain activities or if they are ambidextrous.
Step 5: Observe During Playtime
Watch how your baby plays with toys and objects during playtime. Do they consistently use the same hand for specific activities? This can also give insight into their hand preference.
Step 6: Hand Movements
Observe your baby’s hand movements while reaching for objects or manipulating toys. Do they use their whole hand or just specific fingers? This can indicate whether they have a dominant hand or not.
Step 7: Ball Play
Rolling and throwing a ball can also provide insight into your baby’s handedness. Observe which hand they use to hold and throw the ball, as well as their coordination and accuracy. And don’t worry if they switch hands while playing; this is normal for developing hand preference.
Step 8: Scribbling
Around 18-24 months old, most babies will start scribbling with crayons or other writing utensils. Observe which hand your baby uses and if they consistently use the same hand for drawing and coloring.
Step 9: Encourage Hand Dominance
Once your baby starts showing a consistent hand preference, encourage and support the use of their dominant hand. This can help them develop fine motor skills and improve coordination. As a left-handed person myself, I can attest to the benefits of encouragement and support from parents when using my dominant hand.
Step 10: Watch for Changes
It is common for babies to switch hands or show ambidextrous tendencies during their early years. If you notice your baby switching hands frequently, continue to observe as they may not have developed a strong dominance yet.
Step 11: Genetics
It is believed that handedness may have a genetic component, so observe which hand you and your partner use for daily activities. This can indicate which hand your baby may favor. So, if you or your partner are left-handed, there is a higher chance that your baby may also be left-handed.
Step 12: Remember, It’s Not Set in Stone
Lastly, it is important to remember that hand preference can change and develop over time. So, even if your baby shows a strong preference for one hand now, it may change as they grow and develop.
Encourage and support your baby no matter which hand they use, as their handedness is just one aspect of who they are as a unique individual.
Determining whether your baby is right or left-handed can be an exciting process for parents.
By observing their hand preference during different activities, providing encouragement and support, and remembering that it can change over time, you can help your baby develop their fine motor skills and coordination. Enjoy watching your little one grow and develop into their own unique person!
9 Safety Measures for Left-Handed Babies
For parents of left-handed babies, it is important to note that the world is mostly designed for right-handed people. This can pose some challenges and safety concerns for left-handed individuals. Here are nine safety measures you can take to ensure your left-handed baby’s safety:
1) Monitor Them Closely
As your baby is learning to use their left hand for daily activities, it is important to keep a close eye on them. This can help prevent accidents and injuries. And remember, just because they may be left-handed, it doesn’t mean they won’t switch hands sometimes.
2) Baby-Proof Your Home
Just like with any baby, it is important to baby-proof your home to prevent accidents and injuries. This includes securing furniture and sharp objects that may pose a risk for left-handed babies who use their dominant hand differently.
3) Left-Handed Scissors
Invest in a pair of left-handed scissors for your baby once they start using them. Using right-handed scissors with their left hand can be challenging and lead to accidents. You can also teach them how to properly hold and use the scissors.
4) Use Correct Hand Positioning
When teaching your baby how to write or draw, make sure their hand, arm, and body are in the proper position. This can help prevent discomfort or strain on their left hand and wrist.
If necessary, you can also invest in left-handed writing aids to make it easier.
5) Teach Them How to Use Tools Safely
As your baby grows and starts using tools like knives or power tools, it is important to teach them how to use them safely with their left hand. This may require some extra guidance and supervision.
Even everyday tools like openers or vegetable peelers may have different designs for left-handed individuals, so be sure to check and provide the appropriate ones.
6) Be Mindful of Appliances
For appliances like blenders or mixers, make sure your baby knows which direction to turn them in with their left hand.
This is important for their safety and to prevent any spills or accidents.
Then, they can easily use these appliances without feeling awkward or strained.
7) Adapt for Sports
If your baby shows an interest in sports, be mindful of which hand they use and adapt accordingly.
This may mean getting them left-handed equipment or teaching them how to properly hold a right-handed bat or racket with their left hand.
8) Watch Out for Left-Handedness Bias
Unfortunately, left-handed people still face bias and discrimination in some situations. As your baby grows up, be mindful of any instances of this and educate them on how to deal with it confidently.
So they can celebrate their uniqueness and use their left hand without any stigma or discrimination.
9) Celebrate Their Left-Handedness
Most importantly, celebrate your baby’s left-handedness! It is a special and unique trait that makes them who they are. Encourage and support them to use their left hand confidently and proudly.
After all, being left-handed is something to be proud of! So, embrace your left-handed baby and celebrate their uniqueness.
With love, support, and a few safety measures mentioned on how to tell if baby is right or left handed, they can grow up to be confident and successful individuals.
8 Things to Avoid Saying to a Left-Handed Person
As mentioned, left-handed individuals may face stigma and discrimination in some situations. As a parent of a left-handed baby, it is important to be mindful of the language you use around them. Here are eight things to avoid saying to a left-handed person:
1) “Why don’t you just use your right hand?”
This statement implies that being left-handed is a choice and can be changed, which is not the case. It may also make your baby feel like their left-handedness is something to be ashamed of. Also, keep in mind that left-handedness has been linked to genetics and is not a choice.
2) “But being left-handed is so inconvenient.”
This statement dismisses the uniqueness of being left-handed and can be hurtful. It also perpetuates the bias and discrimination against left-handed individuals. While it may seem inconvenient in a right-handed world, it is important to celebrate and embrace all forms of handedness.
3) “I heard left-handed people are more prone to accidents.”
There is no scientific evidence to support this statement. In fact, studies have shown that left-handed individuals may have faster reaction times due to their brains being wired differently. Avoid making assumptions or spreading myths about left-handed people.
4) “You’re using your left hand? That’s weird.”
This statement can make your baby feel like there is something wrong with them for being left-handed. Instead, embrace and celebrate their uniqueness. As long as they are using their left hand confidently and comfortably, there is nothing weird about it.
5) “Can you even write with your left hand?”
This statement may seem harmless, but it can make your baby feel like they have to prove themselves because of their left-handedness. Instead, simply ask them what hand they prefer to use for writing or other activities.
6) “Left-handed people are so rare.”
While it is true that left-handed individuals make up a smaller percentage of the population, this statement can make your baby feel like they don’t fit in or are abnormal. Avoid making them feel different because of their handedness.
7) “You should try to be ambidextrous.”
While ambidexterity may seem like a desirable skill, it is not necessary for left-handed individuals to try and be both right and left-handed. It is important to embrace and celebrate their dominant hand without feeling pressure to use both.
8) “Left-handedness is a disadvantage.”
This statement can be damaging to your baby’s self-esteem. Left-handedness may have its challenges in a right-handed world, but it is not a disadvantage. Instead, focus on supporting and empowering your baby to use their left hand confidently and comfortably.
Being left-handed is a unique trait that should be celebrated and embraced.
As a parent of a left-handed baby, it is important to provide the necessary support and tools for your child to use their dominant hand comfortably and confidently.
Avoid any language or biases that may make them feel different or ashamed of their left-handedness. Instead, celebrate and encourage your baby’s uniqueness and watch them thrive as they grow up using their left hand with pride!
8 Additional Tips for Raising a Left-Handed Baby
Here are eight additional tips to keep in mind as you raise your left-handed baby:
1) Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be helpful for teaching your baby how to use their left hand. This may include using pictures, videos, or even drawing diagrams to demonstrate the proper techniques and hand movements.
2) Consider Left-Handed Tools
While it may not be necessary to buy all left-handed tools, there are certain things that may be easier for your baby to use if they are designed specifically for left-handers. This includes scissors, rulers, and can openers.
3) Be Patient
It may take a little extra time and patience to help your baby learn how to use their left hand, but it is important not to rush them. Be patient and encouraging as they develop their fine motor skills.
4) Teach Safety Measures
As mentioned earlier, using certain tools or equipment designed for right-handers can be dangerous for left-handed individuals. Make sure to teach your baby safety measures when using things such as knives or power tools.
5) Encourage Physical Activities
Physical activities such as sports and dancing can help your baby develop coordination and strengthen their left hand. Encourage them to participate in these activities and provide support and guidance when needed.
6) Find Left-Handed Role Models
It can be helpful for your baby to see successful left-handed individuals in their field of interest. This can help them feel proud and confident about their left-handedness. So, find and introduce them to left-handed role models whenever possible.
7) Celebrate Left-Handers Day
Did you know that there is a designated day to celebrate left-handers? August 13th is observed as International Left-Handers Day. Use this day as an opportunity to celebrate your baby’s uniqueness and educate others about the challenges faced by left-handers in a right-handed world.
8) Embrace Their Creativity
Left-handed individuals have been known for their creativity and unique perspective. Encourage your baby to express themselves through art, music, or other creative outlets that allow them to use their left hand freely. Embrace and nurture their creativity as they grow up using their dominant hand with pride and confidence.
Raising a left-handed baby may come with its challenges, but it is important to remember that it is not a disadvantage or something to be ashamed of.
With love, support, and understanding, your baby can grow up to embrace and celebrate their left-handedness. Let’s create a world where being left-handed is seen as just another unique trait rather than something unusual or different.
Frequently Asked Questions about Left-Handedness
Is It Genetic?
Yes, left-handedness is believed to be inherited. However, the exact genes and inheritance patterns are still being studied. It is possible for a left-handed parent to have a right-handed child and vice versa.
Can Left-Handedness Be Changed?
No, left-handedness cannot be changed. It is a natural trait that is determined by genetics and brain development.
Is There a Difference in Brain Function Between Left-Handed and Right-Handed People?
There may be some slight differences in brain function between left-handed and right-handed individuals, but more research is needed to fully understand this connection.
Are Left-Handed People Smarter?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that left-handed people are smarter than right-handed people. Intelligence is not determined by handedness.
Can Left-Handed Babies Breastfeed Comfortably?
Yes, left-handed babies can breastfeed comfortably. It may take some practice and adjusting for both the baby and the parent, but it is possible to find a comfortable feeding position that works for your left-handed baby.
Overall, there are many resources available to support you as you raise your left-handed baby with love and acceptance.
Embrace their uniqueness, and watch them flourish as they confidently use their dominant left hand in all aspects of life. So, let go of any preconceived notions about “disadvantages” and instead focus on empowering and celebrating your left-handed baby!
Conclusion
In conclusion, being left-handed is not a disadvantage but rather a unique and special trait. As parents of left-handed babies, we have the responsibility to provide support and tools for our children to use their dominant hand confidently.
With patience, understanding how to tell if baby is right or left handed, and celebration of their uniqueness, we can raise confident and successful left-handers who will thrive in a world designed for right-handers.
Let’s break the stigma and create a world where being left-handed is seen as just another wonderful aspect of diversity. So, embrace your left-handed baby with pride and watch them grow into an amazing individual!
