Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

At what age should children be able to clap their hands?

1. 3 months

2. 4 months

3. 10 months

4. 6 months

The correct answer is: 10 months

Children typically achieve the milestone of clapping their hands around the age of 10 months. This developmental skill is associated with both fine motor development and social interaction. By this age, infants generally have gained enough muscle control and coordination to engage in purposeful hand movements. Clapping not only demonstrates their growing physical abilities but is also a form of social communication, as babies often observe adults and mimic their actions, contributing to social bonding. At 3 months, most infants are just beginning to develop head and neck control, while hand-eye coordination is still very much in the early stages. By 4 months, they may be able to grasp and hold objects but are not typically clapping yet. At 6 months, babies can usually reach for and grab toys but still have limited control to execute quick, coordinated movements like clapping. Observing these developmental stages helps caregivers and healthcare professionals support children's growth appropriately.