Child Developmental Milestones (Months 7-9)

safety for children

By month 7 many parents have come to understand their babies better now. They know what their babies like to play with, eat, when to sleep, and much more. There are still many developmental milestones that are coming ahead, so let’s get started!

Don’t feel anxious if your baby is a little ahead of behind on some of their milestones. This is common, and it does not have to suggest that something is wrong with your baby. However, if you baby is behind on multiple milestones, contact your babies doctor.

Month 7

Motor Developmental Milestones:

  • Can sit with and without the support of her/his hands
  • Passes an object from hand to hand
  • Can now support full body weight on his/her legs
  • Develops full color vision
  • Teeth are coming in or have already begun to

Language Developmental Milestones:

  • Your baby should know their name and respond to it
  • Has started making babbling noises
  • Responds with voice/ sound to sound made toward them
  • Expression through voice for emotions of displeasure and pleasure

Social and Emotional Developmental Milestones:

  • Still loving to play with you or others
  • Makes facial expressions toward others
  • May become anxious around strangers, latching onto mom or dad

 

Month 8

Motor Developmental Milestones:

  • Average weight may be around 17 to 22 pounds
  • Different textures will be interesting for your baby
  • Your baby may be crawling by now
  • The pincer grasp is developed now using thumb and finger for small objects

Language Developmental Milestones:

  • Your baby will love to hear you talk to them and explain things to them by now
  • Beginning to respond to the word “no”
  • Understands the idea of object permanence
  • May be able to “wave bye to daddy” or “say hi to momma”

Social and Emotional Developmental Milestones:

  • Separation anxiety may show up when you leave your baby
  • May need a blanket or small toy at bedtime for comfort
  • Beginning to understand a routine
baby-crawling

 

Month 9

Motor Developmental Milestones:

  • Pushing up with arms during tummy time
  • Crawling or even walking around exploring
  • Loves to bounce, so if you have a bouncer, now is the time to use it
  • May enjoy toys that teach different shapes
  • Likely gaining 3-5 pounds a week

Language Developmental Milestones:

  • May be using hand movements when they need something
  • Definitely responding to their name
  • May begin to hear sounds resembling “momma” or “dadda”

Social and Emotional Developmental Milestones:

  • Enjoys toys that make sounds or music
  • If you haven’t already, your baby will love peek-a-boo games
  • Likely able to maintain eye contact
  • Should begin to tolerate diaper change without crying

Child-safety-gates

Many new and exciting changes are beginning to happen with your baby. They are constantly learning new things quickly, and love to crawl around and explore. It is important now to make sure you are child proofing the areas your baby can reach.

A quick list of some things you can add to child-proof include:

  1. Child safe covers to outlets
  2. Anchors to keep from falling objects like lamps and TVs
  3. A bumper for sharp corners in walls or furniture
  4. Safety gates for stairs or dangerous rooms
  5. Carbon Monoxide alarm in babies bedroom

It is also important to keep sharp, poisonous, small, and expensive objects out of reach fro your baby during this time. For more information on making your home safe for your baby, read this article from familydoctor.org

After reading the list of developmental milestones for your baby of 7 to 9 months, if your baby does not….

  • Use both hands
  • Put all or most of their weight on their legs
  • Express emotion for joy or disappointment
  • Explore new toys and the environment
  • Enjoy playing with toys of sound and texture
  • Babble or respond to their own name
  • Maintain eye contact during play or talk

Don’t worry if your baby is slower than others during this time. It is common for some babies to develop slower than others. Remember, if your baby is premature, he or she will often be behind by a couple of months, and that is okay.

If you are worried about your babies development, don’t hesitate to contact your babies doctor. We want to be there for you when you need a professional’s help.

The CDC.gov and the American Academy of Pediatrics provide free Child Developmental Milestone Checklists for you to print and keep track of your baby’s growth! Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment.