Your baby's development (7-9 Months)

7 Months

By the time your baby is seven months old most will be able to sit upright without support. They will reach for items with a sweeping motion and they are likely to have started imitating speech sounds. (Babbling). About half will start to make word-like sounds and will begin crawling or lunging forwards. The more advanced may stand whilst holding onto something and have started waving goodbye.

8 Months

Most will say "mama" or "dada" but, not necessarily to the correct parent. They will have begun to crawl and will start pass items from hand-to-hand. About half will now be standing with support, will crawl well and, will point to objects. The more advanced may have started to walk whilst holding onto furniture for support and will be pointing at objects they want. They will be picking up items with finger and thumb "pincer" movements.

9 Months

By nine months most will now be making word-like sounds and will be standing whilst holding onto something. About half will be using the "pincer" grasp to pick up items and, will be walking with the support of furniture, as well as banging objects together. The more advanced will play "patta cake" and will say "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent.

Remember, don't worry if your baby doesn't do everything along this time-scale, it's just a guide and everyone is different.

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Your baby's development (4-6 Months)

Continued...

Month 4

By month 4 most babies will be able to hold their head up steadily. They can support their weight on their legs and will make "coo-ing" noises when you speak to them. About half will start to grasp at toys and other objects when you offer them and, they will roll over when on the floor. A minority will start attempting to make speech sounds. The first tooth may start to show.

Month 5

By the fifth month most babies will be amusing themselves by playing with their hands and feet. They can roll about on the floor and can distinguish between bright colours. About half will turn towards new sounds and may start to recognise when you use their name. The more advanced may sit alone without support and start putting objects into their mouth. Others may be ready for solid food and symptoms of "Stranger anxiety" may be shown.

Month 6

Most will now turn towards sounds and voices and start to imitate sounds and blow bubbles. They will roll at will in both directions. About half will now sit without support and start putting objects into their mouth. They will be ready for solids. More advanced will lunge forward and may start crawling, may jabber or combine sylables and will start grabbing for objects that are close by.

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Your baby's development

You will be astounded by how much your baby changes over their first year so I think it would be useful for me to outline the development you can expect to see over that time period, so that you have an indication that everything is progressing well. Remember this is just a guide so don't be worried if your baby does not do everything at the anticipated rate. Today we'll cover the first 3 months.

Month One

Most newborns can lift their head and respond to a sound within one month of birth. About half will follow objects you show them and start making "baby noises" . A few more advanced babies will smile, or even laugh.

Month Two

Most will now start to make recognisable vocal sounds such as gurgling and will follow objects around. They can hold their head up for short periods. About half will now laugh and smile and their movements will become smoother. Some will be able to hold their head steady and bear their weight on their legs. When on their stomach they may start to try and push themselves up.

Month Three

Most should now be laughing and able to hold their head steady. They should be able to recognise you. About half will be able to recognise your voice and will start making louder baby noises, such as squealing and squeaking. When on their stomach they may start to try and push themselves up. Some will turn towards loud sounds, can roll over and may start to make clapping movements.

Remember, if your baby does not do all these things it doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong. We all develop at differing speeds.

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