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Babies' Physical Development from 6-9 Months

 

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parent and baby playing with building blocks together

 

 

Between six and nine months of age, babies grow and develop rapidly - it's so much fun to witness! These months will fly by so be sure to savor them while they last. Here's what you can expect:


Physical Milestones

Between six to nine months your baby is likely to:

  • Sit steadily without help for longer periods.
  • Sit and bounce on her bottom.
  • Push up from his tummy onto hands and knees, and rock back and forth.
  • Sit up by pushing from a crawling position with arms at sides.
  • Crawl or move by shuffling on his bum.
  • Try to help when pulled up to a standing position.
  • Stand firmly on legs when held in a standing position.
  • Progress from holding things in her palm to using the thumb and first and second fingers.
  • Rake at tiny objects with hands.
  • Pick up larger objects with fingers.
  • Chew or gum finely minced foods (six to seven months).
  • Feed himself small pieces of food (by nine months).
  • Pick up a cup and put it to her mouth.
  • Pick up, hold, and control an object using both hands.
  • Bang objects together.
  • Explore objects by grabbing, shaking, sliding and banging them.

Other Physical Milestones

Between six and nine months your baby may also:

  • Pull up to a standing position using furniture.
  • Move by rolling to where he wants to go or turning in circles on his stomach.
  • Stand while holding onto your hands.
  • Put one foot in front of the other while holding your hands.
  • Extend arms to keep from falling backwards.
  • Lower to sitting from a hanging on position.
  • Crawl up stairs.
  • Step sideways while holding on to furniture.
  • Throw objects.
  • Build a tower of two blocks.
  • Point with the index finger.
  • Poke fingers into holes or anything that looks interesting.
  • Take objects out of containers.
  • Release objects with no fuss.

Play and Activity

As your baby grows and flourishes you can play an important role in his or her physical development by:

  • Continuing to breastfeed.
  • Getting down on the floor at your baby’s level.
  • Providing safe places for your baby to crawl and explore.
  • Encouraging movement. For example, put some distance between you and your baby when playing on the floor or put toys just a bit out of reach.
  • Giving lots of opportunities for "tummy time" and crawling.
  • Providing soft pieces of food for snacks and meals to develop finger control and chewing skills.
  • Offering your baby a spoon (realize your baby won’t be able to use it correctly).
  • Rolling a ball back and forth on the floor with your baby while sitting.
  • Making noisemakers with plastic bottles for your baby to grasp and shake.
  • Playing finger games.

Crawling and Tummy Time

Tummy time is when babies are placed on their stomach or side while they’re awake. They can be on the floor, on a safe firm surface or on your chest. Tummy time helps to avoid flat spots on babies’ heads and encourages the upper body strength needed for crawling. Crawling usually develops between six and eight months. During tummy time, show your baby toys or pictures, sing or talk, or give a gentle back massage.


Resources & Links:

HealthLink BC: Physical Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months

Last Updated: January 24, 2018