The second half of baby’s first year is a time of rapid development. Learning about stages of typical development can help parents anticipate what to expect next in order to guide their babies, more successfully and confidently through each developmental stage. Please keep in mind that even though there are typical patterns of development, actual timelines will vary for each child.
The information below is a basic guideline to help parents identify the developmental milestones of typically developing infants.
7 – 9 Months
- Goes from tummy to sitting unsupported
- Uses fingers and thumbs together when picking up objects
- Becomes aware of “cause and effect”. (Example: Realizes that a toy will light up when a button is pushed) Makes “raspberry” sounds with lips
- Bites on first tooth
- Looks for toys he has dropped
- Moves toys from hand to hand
- Drinks from spill proof cup
- Creeps or crawls
- Pulls self up
- Plays pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo
- Responds to his own name
- May show anxiety with strangers or when removed from favorite caretaker
10-12 Months
- Pulls to standing position
- Takes steps with help
- Cruises around the furniture while holding on
- Understands object permanence. (Example: Looks for object when dropped, knowing that object didn’t just disappear)
- Claps hands and waves
- Imitates sounds he hears, especially language sounds
- Enjoys singing and dancing
- Carefully examines toys and objects
- Takes lids off containers
- Puts things “in” and takes things “out”
If you feel your baby is not growing or learning in the way you expect, please talk with your pediatrician and/or call Alabama’s Early Intervention System for further assessment
(1-800-441-7607).
