Around 6 to 9 months

Vision and Fine Movements

• Grasps and holds an object in one hand while reaching for another object,
• Uses finger and thumb to pick up an object.
• Transfers an object from hand to hand.
• Focuses on small objects and, with either hand, reaches for them accurately.
• Looks over side of the cot or high chair for objects dropped.
• Explores things in various ways: by looking, turning them over, sucking, banging and shaking.
• Shows sustained interest in activities and people in visual range.

Large Movements

• Sits well without support, and plays with toys
• Rolls over from front to back and to front again.
• Crawls, or tries to crawl.
• Pulls self to standing position and stands, holding onto furniture.
• Drops with a bump from a supported standing position.
• When sitting, leans forward without losing balance to pick up object.
• 'Walks' on alternate feet when supported by helper holding hands.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Imitates waving and clapping, and plays 'peek-a-boo'.
• Shows fear of strangers, or reluctance to meet them; clings to known adult and hides face.
• Separates reluctantly from know adult or care-giver.
• Lifts inverted cup or container to find hidden object.

Listening, Speaking and Understanding

• Turns toward and locates familiar voices.
• Responds to simple directions such as 'clap hands', 'wave bye-bye', that are demonstrated.
• May say 'mum-mum' and 'dad-dad'.
• Understands 'no'.
• Shouts to attract attention.

Seek advice if a child

• Is lethargic.
• Does not appear to be interested (not kicking, moving or sitting) in toys, people, new sounds or motor activity.
• Does not babble or laugh aloud.

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