Updated May 11, 2013.
Review the physical, mental and social abilities and interests for older infants aged 7-12 months. Note that these lists indicate average development - the age range at which the 'average' child can he expected to achieve a particular skill or develop a specific interest. The ages in the text are only approximate. Children develop skills at uneven rates - any one child may be 'above average' in one skill and 'below average' in another skill.

For an individual child, the parent is the best judge of the child's abilities and interests at any point in his or her development. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or an early childhood development expert if you have any concerns about your child's development.

Physical Development

• begins to sit alone.
• begins to creep and crawl onto or into things.
• begins to pull to a stand, cruise (walk holding furniture), and walk alone (10-16 months).
• interest in moving about and practicing motor skills.
• develops "pincer" (thumb and finger) grasp and begins to hold objects with one hand while manipulating them with the other.
• with objects wants to bang, insert, poke, twist, squeeze, drop, shake, bite, throw, open/shut, push/pull, empty/fill, drag along.
• enjoys bath play - kicking and splashing.

Mental Development

• interest in appearing and disappearing (objects and people) - develops 'object permanence' (looks for object out of sight at approximately 11 months).
• interest in container/contained relationship likes to empty cupboards, drawers, and containers of objects.

• interest in letting go and dropping objects (will use string to pull back vanished objects).
• interest in exploration and likes many objects to explore.
• likes to operate simple mechanisms (open/shut, push/pull) and create effects.
• remembers people, objects, games, actions with toys - shows persistence and interest in novelty.
• beginning interest in picture books.

Social Development

• may fear strangers or react to change - plays best with familiar person nearby.
• watches and may imitate others.
• sensitive to social approval and disapproval.
• interest in getting attention and creating social effects.
• enjoys simple social games 'peek-a-boo,' 'bye-bye'
• babbles and plays with language - may try to imitate sounds.
• recognizes own name and may begin to point to named objects or obey simple commands.