Sitting & Exploring
7-9 months
Development Observation Guide
Key developmental milestones for Sitting & Exploring (7-9 months). By observing these behaviors, you can better understand your baby's growth journey.
About Physical Movement & Health
Sitting Skills
Sits steadily and moves smoothly from sitting to lying on the tummy and back up.
Observation Points
- Sits steadily and moves from sitting to tummy and back with ease
- Pulls to stand holding furniture; straightens hips and knees when standing
- Keeps balance while sitting and turns to reach objects
Crawling Development
Begins crawling on hands and knees or hands and feet.
Observation Points
- Starts crawling on hands and knees or hands and feet
- May crawl backward at first, moving slowly with less coordination
- Supports the body on arms when on the tummy and shows intent to move forward
Fine Motor Development
Finger dexterity improves greatly; pincer grasp emerges.
Observation Points
- Can grasp and lift objects; by around 9 months uses the thumb and other fingers together
- Picks at small objects on the table and shakes noisy toys
- Uses both hands together — bangs two objects to make sounds
- Intentionally moves objects, such as dropping or throwing them, and watches them fall or make sounds
Interactive Game Ideas
Parent-child interactive games designed for babies 7-9 months, promoting all-round development through play.
Crawling Obstacle
Set up simple obstacles to encourage crawling and exploration.
Gesture Imitation
Teach the baby simple gestures, like waving goodbye.
Clapping Song
Promote social interaction through clapping and songs.
Container Play
Let the baby explore putting objects in and taking them out.
Is your child 3 yet?
Move on to the 3-6 Child Learning and Development Assessment to understand your child's overall development across five domains: health, language, social, science and art.