Baby physical development 9 to 12 months

Developmental milestones include:

 

• By 10 months, he can move around by shuffling or crawling
• He can balance himself when sitting - he can reach out for an object without toppling over
• By 10 - 11 months, he can pull up to standing
• By 10 - 12 months, he can walk while holding an adult's hands
• By 12 months, he can pick up a small object by pincering his thumb and forefinger

 

What can I do to encourage his physical development?

 

• Give him lots of opportunities to get moving. Don't keep him restricted in a high chair, stroller or baby seat when he could be exploring and practicing his new skills.
• Roll a ball with him - he won't be able to return it but he'll enjoy chasing after it
• Give him a safe place to play indoors and outside
• Give him a kitchen cupboard that you can fill with toys and plastic kitchen ware that he can take out and put back in - he'll also enjoy opening and shutting the door.

 

Signs that suggest a developmental problem:

 

• By 10 months, he isn't able to sit without support
• He hasn't developed any way to move around independently

All children are different and develop at different rates, so don't be overly concerned if your baby is acquiring new skills at a different rate to those around him. But if you are worried about his development, talk to a health professional for a little reassurance.

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• Baby's development and milestones
• 9-12 months speech and language development
• All baby growth articles

 

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot - New Zealand's parenting resource for newborns and baby. Sources include SA Government's Parenting and Child Health and Raising Children Network.