"Rake Raisin"

What does the term "rake raisin" mean?

The term “rake raisin” refers to the developing coordination of the hand and fingers. It refers to a child typically before 9 months that has not developed a thumb and finger “pinch”. A child that can only “rake a raisin” when presented with a small object attempts to pick it up using only their four fingers - essentially “raking”. As a child’s fine motor development progresses they acquire a pincer grasp (thumb and finger “pinch”).

developmental milestones

Written February 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician