Motor Milestones: 7-12 months

motor milestones infants 7-12 months

Continuing the conversation from Motor Milestones from Birth to 6 Months, we now turn our focus to Motor Milestones for Infants 7 to 12 Months!

Months #7-9

This is an exciting time as children are becoming more independently mobile, gaining mastery of a range of developmental positions (sitting, quadruped, supported standing), beginning to crawl and cruise truly changes “the game” for parents and children!  

Begin to note ability to:

  • Roll over in both directions
  • Move objects from one hand to the other
  • Maintain sitting balance when reaching and manipulating objects
  • Transition from sit to all fours (quadruped), rocking in quadruped position
  • Crawl: many different unique styles exist! Learn more about teaching children to crawl here!
  • Pull to stand with support from upper body
  • Begin to cruise around furniture aka “side shuffle”
  • Begin crawling up stairs.

Activities (7-9 months)

motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Activities to promote weight shifting in sitting: rolling ball back and forth
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Activities in sitting to build dynamic balance: promote reaching & manipulating toys (love using these blocks!)
Encourage activities in quadruped, shifting weight to reach for objects, to prepare for crawling!
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Encourage crawling using tunnels
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Encourage crawling up ramp and stairs
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Encourage tall kneeling at support surface
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Facilitate kneeling at more dynamic surface (this walker provided a great challenge for my little guy!)
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Utilize therapy ball to build trunk strength/stability in sitting, prone & quadruped

Months #10-12

Note ability of child to be able to:

  • Perform squat to stand, gaining more control in squat position
  • Maintain tall kneel while manipulating toys
  • Transition in and out of sit, quadruped and kneel with greater fluidity and ease
  • Begin to stand independently
  • Cruise with ease, in both directions
  • Begin to take steps with minimal assistance
  • Crawl up and down stairs
  • Begin to walk independently

Activities (10-12 months)

motor milestones infants 7-12 months

motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Squatting to stand, reaching overhead and side to side in standing to build challenge center of gravity and dynamic balance
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Facilitate transition from seated on surface to stand. I love the versatility of the cube chair
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Allow for exploration in standing on different surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. This ballet bar at our local playground was a big hit!
motor milestones infants 7-12 months
Activities in standing with hands free: playing catch, balloon volleyball or basketball!

Looking Ahead

Keep in mind each child has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.  Try to resist comparing your child to others.  Focus on your child’s special talents and celebrate each and every accomplishment with them.

  • Continue to encourage creative and active play.
  • Get involved and introduce child to different activities with adults and peers alike!  Climbing, swimming, sports games…so many great options and opportunities to find enjoyable activities that help build confidence and a sense of self!
  • Allow child sensory experiences to help facilitate gross motor development.

For great Developmental Toy Recommendations for Infants read here!

best baby toys

Read more about Ideas to Teach Children to Crawl!

crawl

Read more about Ideas to Teach Children to Stand!

stand

For Future Milestones, read our Teaching Children to Walk!

walking

Learn more about Dinosaur Physical Therapy!

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