DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF A BIG BABY
(8 - 12 months)
Physical Development
- Sit without support.
- Reach out with one hand while supporting on the other.
- Roll over to both sides from front to back and from back to front.
- Pull to a stand against furniture. May cruise around furniture.
- Walk with both hands being held.
- Transfer toys from one hand to the other.
- Start to use the pincer grip – using thumb and index finger in opposition to each other.
- Point to all sorts of things. Poke with one finger.
- Start to crawl or at least show an interest in crawling even if she scoots backwards.
- Play with and stack blocks.
Language and Communication
- Laugh out aloud.
- Spend time examining objects with eyes and hands.
- Be fascinated with small objects.
- Look for a toy when it is taken away.
- Talk differently to people and things.
- Stare at your mouth when you talk.
- Imitate sounds.
- Use different voice pitches.
- Use her voice to get what she wants.
- Start to make more difficult sounds.
- Make her first word like sounds.
Emotional and Social Development
- Respond to mirror images.
- Start to hold own bottle or cup.
- Develop stranger anxiety. Does not respond well to strangers.
- Start to recognize her name when called.
- Play peek–a-boo.
- Enjoy games like “This Little Piggy” and “Round and Round the Garden”
- Move to music.
- Clap hands and show off when made a fuss of.
- Cry when mom leaves the room – separation anxiety.
- Put arms out to be picked up.
- Get upset when a toy is taken away – object permanence.
Warning Signs
- No attempt to smile or laugh out loud.
- Does not use the pincer grip – index finger in opposition to the thumb.
- Makes no attempt to reach for and grasp hold of objects.
- Unable to sit unsupported.
- Not interested in pulling up to a standing position.
- Makes no attempt to creep or crawl on the floor.
If, at the end of this period, your child displays any of the above warning signs, please consult a professional for a full assessment.
Please note that these are very generalized concerns. Toptots will not be held responsible for any warning signs not being mentioned here. This list is by no means complete. If you have any concerns whatsoever, it is best that you discuss them with your medical practitioner.