Which hand should you use—the right or left? Every parent who has a newborn wonders whether their child will use their right or left hand more frequently as they get older.

The term “dominant hand” describes the propensity to perform fine and gross motor tasks with one hand, such as writing, cutting, sketching, catching, and throwing.

Because it is influenced by heredity and the brain, parents cannot decide which hand will be the dominant one. Therefore, the infant will choose its dominant hand on its own.

Determining whether your child is right-handed or left-handed typically becomes apparent between the ages of 2 and 4, as they start showing a preference for one hand over the other. Here are some ways to observe and identify your child’s dominant hand:

1. Observe natural tendencies – Pay attention to your child’s everyday activities, such as eating, drawing, writing, and picking up objects. Notice which hand they consistently use for these tasks. The hand they prefer most often is likely their dominant hand.
2. Offer choices – Encourage your child to perform activities that require the use of both hands, such as throwing a ball, coloring, or building with blocks. By offering choices, you can observe which hand they instinctively choose.
3. Fine motor skills – Notice which hand your child uses for more intricate tasks that involve fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil, using scissors, or buttoning clothes. Their dominant hand will likely be the one they use for these activities.
4. Hand dominance in play – Watch your child during playtime and observe which hand they prefer to use for activities like throwing, catching, or kicking a ball. The dominant hand is typically the one they favor for these types of movements.
5. Mirror image writing – Around the age of 4 or 5, you can try an activity called “mirror image writing.” Ask your child to trace or copy a simple shape or letter while looking in a mirror. If they are left-handed, they will likely use their left hand to write the mirrored image.

Remember that hand dominance may become evident at different ages for different children. It’s essential to be patient and allow your child to naturally develop their hand preference.

If you have concerns about their hand dominance, you can consult with a pediatrician or an occupational therapist for further guidance.