Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my eighth month, I’m learning and doing so many new things? Here’s what I’ve been up to:
The Benefits of My Early Development
Gross Motor Skills: I can remain in a steady-seated position for several minutes without using my arms for support. I can sit up on my own or lie down, whether face up or face down. As I transition to proper crawling, I may sway forward or backward in a crawling position without actually moving. I can maintain a standing position by using furniture for support, but I still can’t stand up without help.
Fine Motor Skills: I use a radial digital grasp, holding objects using my middle finger, index finger, and thumb. I deliberately bang objects in front of my chest using both hands. I can grab and manipulate two objects simultaneously, one in each hand.
Cognitive Development: I have short-term memory and can remember a series of actions I completed in the immediate past, especially when I was directly involved in the activity. I understand cause and effect and can anticipate events that consistently follow a “signal” (e.g., happy face, sad face, etc.). I have a mental model of the human face and have become interested in how it looks. I can solve simple problems and combine small sequences of actions or behaviors to create a new result or reach the same result in a different way (e.g., pulling a hanging toy to grab it).
Speech Development: I attempt to imitate noises or sounds produced by objects (e.g., "boom!"). I might start combining more than one consonant-vowel syllable when babbling.
Sensory Development: I listen carefully to conversations and songs, understanding the differences in tones.
Social-Emotional Development: I seek social approval and interaction with my social environment (e.g., performing actions to get applause). I became proactive about starting playtime. I become protective of myself and my possessions; I might fight over a toy.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Development Highlights: Some babies, like me, continue crawling army-style but move quickly. Once I’m in a standing position (likely with help), I need assistance to go back to a sitting position. If both my hands are busy with objects, I drop one if I’m interested in a third object. I begin to show awareness of time, which allows me to understand event sequences better. My visual acuity is almost adult-like in terms of sharpness and perception of depth. I am easily distracted and more interested in discovering and exploring my surroundings than in things like eating. I better understand people's moods (e.g., I get happy when everyone is happy, and I get anxious when there is stress). I deliberately choose toys with which to play and prefer to play close to you, Mumma.
Additional Physical Development: I can come to a crawling position from a sitting position and go back to a sitting position with good balance. I start to clap my hands when prompted to do so by an adult. My parachute reflex is fully developed, so I put my hands forward to protect myself from falling when leaning forward. I’m a crawling expert. I crawl fast and long distances and avoid obstructions by changing direction. I can come to a sitting position from a sleeping position. I try to stand up by holding objects, and I can maintain a standing position with the support of surrounding objects. I try to stand on my knees by raising both hands from a crawling position.
Additional Cognitive Development: My object permanence has improved as I can pull out partially hidden objects. I understand cause and effect by anticipating the effect. For example, when the doorbell rings, I anticipate the arrival of someone, or I look at the fan when I see the switch being turned on or off. I remember directions in the house and crawl back to a place when picked up and placed somewhere else. I try to crawl faster when I realize you are following behind to catch me. I show an understanding of speed and distance. I can play peek-a-boo and participate by removing hands or objects from your face.
Additional Communication Development: I try to imitate sounds made by objects like drums and toys as I explore them. I start to understand that ‘No’ is a prohibitive word and hesitate to proceed when you say “no.”. I produce sounds deliberately to express happiness, cooperation, disapproval, and anger. I can express a preference for selected foods, textures, toys, play, and people through my body and facial actions. I use long strings of sounds (blabber) to communicate about something in sight or something pointed at by hand. I start speaking single-syllable words like "ma," "da," "ta," etc. It may not be clear communication, but it feels like a conversation sometimes.
Additional Social and Emotional Development: I start to understand the meaning of ‘no’ and look at you before doing prohibited things. I seek appreciation by repeating actions or sounds that get applause. I become more comfortable with louder and more crowded surroundings. I start to feed myself by picking things up and taking them into my mouth. I start to play alone for some time with toys.
Conclusion
Research shows that these early developmental milestones are crucial for my growth and learning. According to studies in Pediatrics and Infant Behavior & Development, engaging with me through talking, playing, and responding to my needs helps enhance my cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.
Maa and Daddy, your love and interaction play a significant role in my development. Keep talking, playing, and cuddling with me, and watch how I grow and learn every day!