Infant development: What happens from 7 to 9 months?

Your baby may surprise you with new skills and abilities every day. Look for these infant development milestones as your 7- to 9-month-old grows.

Would you be shocked to find your baby climbing up the stairs or standing in the crib? Prepare yourself. You may be facing these surprises sooner than you think. As your baby becomes more mobile and inquisitive, infant development takes off. It may seem that your baby learns something new every day.

What to expect

Your baby will continue to grow and develop at his or her own unique pace. In general, you can expect your baby to reach these infant development milestones between ages 7 months and 9 months.

• Motor skills advance. By this age, most babies can roll over in both directions — even in their sleep. Some babies can sit on their own, while others need a little support. You may notice your baby beginning to scoot, rock back and forth, or even crawl across the room. Some babies this age can pull themselves to a standing position. Soon your baby may cruise along the edge of the couch or coffee table.
• Hand-eye coordination improves. Most babies this age transfer objects from one hand to another or directly to their mouths. Pulling objects closer with a raking motion of the hands will give way to more refined movements, such as picking up objects with just the thumb and forefinger. This improving dexterity will help your baby handle a spoon and soft finger foods.
• Communication evolves. Your baby will communicate with you through sounds, gestures and facial expressions. You'll probably hear plenty of laughing and squealing. Your baby may even respond to his or her own name. Babies this age can distinguish emotions by tone of voice. They may repeat the sounds they hear — or give it their best shot. Your baby's babbling is likely to include chains of sounds, such as "ba-ba-ba." You may even pick out an occasional "mama" or "dada."
• Stranger anxiety appears. Many babies this age become wary of strangers. Your baby may resist staying with anyone other than you, shunning even grandparents or familiar baby sitters. If your baby fusses when you leave — or melts down entirely — resist the temptation to sneak away. Say goodbye with a hug and kiss and a reminder that you'll be back soon. Chances are, your baby will stop crying as soon as you're out of sight and something else grabs his or her attention. You might even plan ahead of time how the caregiver will distract your baby.
• Teething begins. If your baby still has a toothless grin, you can expect the first tooth — likely one of the middle teeth in the lower jaw (a lower central incisor) — to break through anytime. You may notice your baby drooling more than usual and chewing on just about anything. Offer a cool, wet washcloth or teething ring. If you haven't done so already, get in the habit of cleaning your baby's teeth and gums at least once a day. Use plain water and a soft cloth or baby toothbrush.

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• Speech and language development milestones: Birth to 24 months

Promoting your baby's development

For babies of any age, learning and play are inseparable. Here's what you can do at home to support your budding adventurer.

• Create an exploration-safe environment. Keep only safe objects within your baby's reach. Move anything that could be poisonous, pose a choking hazard or break into small pieces. Cover electrical outlets, use stairway gates, place cords from blinds or shades out of reach, and install child locks on doors and cabinets. If you have furniture with sharp edges, remove it from rooms where your baby plays. The same goes for lightweight objects your baby may use to pull himself or herself to a standing position, such as plant stands, decorative tables, potted trees and floor lamps.
• Keep chatting. Chances are, you've been talking to your baby all along. Keep it up! Narrate what you're doing, and give your baby time to respond. Say something to your baby and then wait for him or her to repeat the sounds. Ask your baby questions that involve more than a yes or no response. You may not be able to pick words from your baby's babble, but you can encourage a back-and-forth conversation.
• Teach cause and effect. Push the button on a musical toy and dance to the tune. Open the door on the toy barn and listen to the cow say "moo." Help your baby do the same. Self-confidence will grow as your baby realizes he or she can make things happen.
• Take time to play. By now, you and your baby may be old pros at classics such as peekaboo, patty-cake and itsy-bitsy spider. Get creative as you add to your repertoire. Crouch behind a chair or the dresser, leaving a hand or foot within your baby's view, and prompt your baby to look for you. Or make an obstacle course. Arrange cushions and pillows on a carpeted floor. Encourage your baby to creep or crawl over the mounds.
• Pull out the books. Set aside time for reading every day — even if it's only a few minutes. Reading aloud is one of the simplest ways to boost your baby's language development. Make it more interesting with facial expressions, sound effects and voices for various characters. Store books within easy reach so that your baby can explore them whenever the mood strikes.
• Turn on the tunes. Music can help soothe, entertain and teach your baby. Try calming lullabies, upbeat children's songs, classical music or your own favorites.
• Encourage experimentation. Toy box aside, help your baby's imagination and creativity take shape. If you're up for a mess, smear applesauce, pudding or another pureed food on the highchair tray and let your baby "paint" with the mixture. Give your baby measuring cups for stacking or clapping together. At bath time, provide small containers and plastic utensils for pouring and mixing.
• Offer a comfort object. Babies this age often form an attachment to a blanket, stuffed animal or other comfort object. Although holding, rocking and cuddling your baby remain as important as ever, a comfort object can help your baby feel secure when you're not in sight or your baby is tired, frightened or upset.

When something's not right

Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal, and usually no cause for concern. But it's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs.

Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any red flags:

• No interest in rolling over, sitting or other types of movement
• Inability to bear weight on his or her legs
• No interest in reaching for objects or putting objects in his or her mouth
• Lack of response to sounds or visual cues
• Resistance to making eye contact
• No babbling, cooing or imitation of common sounds

Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Then you can set your sights on the milestones that lie ahead.

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