Still doesn't have the pincher grasp...

[jamsmu]

I've noticed that DS (9 months) doesn't grasp the Cheerios, Gerber Star puffs, cheese, macaroni, etc. between his finger and thumb. He is still grabbing with his palm and fingers and can't get the food to his mouth. He loves these foods, but when I go to put it on the tray, he opens his mouth for me to put it in, then once its on the tray loses interest and looks to me for more. At first I thought he was just being lazy, but now I'm getting concerned that he can't do it yet.

He does hold wagon wheels and biter biscuits well and eats the correctly. He also gets the sippy cup and the bottle to his mouth right away.

Any suggestions as to how to get him to conquer this skill?

TIA

[Momof3Labs]

I don't think that there is any way to "teach" this to a child; they do it when they are ready. At 9 months, Colin wasn't using the pincer grasp often (though he could do it occasionally). Just keep on offering your DS the types of foods that require the pincer grasp, and he'll get it eventually. Colin ate Cheerios for a long time from his fist (introduced them at 8 months) even after he could use the pincer grasp, and did quite well with that technique!

Sounds like your DS doesn't quite understand that food on the tray can quickly turn into food in the mouth - that connection takes a little while for some kids, too!