Not quite crawling, but definitely on the move and about to take off!

Pathways.org has some great activities you can try with baby as well as reminders when it comes to where baby’s development should be around this time.

7-9 Month Old Games

Motor Games and Activities

• Put a toy or book inside an empty cardboard box. Wrap it in colorful paper or newspaper comics. Clap your hands when baby yanks it open then announce what is inside.
• Encourage movement by placing toys around baby where they must move to reach them
• Encourage baby pushups during Tummy Time by raising and lowering a rattle over baby’s head
• Engage baby in activities like reading or playing with a ball while in sitting
• Gently push baby back and forth on a swing in the park, but make sure baby can sit up and hold head steady with no problem
• When baby is holding a toy in each hand offer a third toy; watch as baby figures out how to grasp the new toy without letting go of the other two
• Punch holes in lid of empty food container and fill with water to make a fun bath time toy
• Get an empty plastic bucket and have baby throw toys into it
• Use different household iitems, like squeeze toys or newspapers to make different noises for baby

Sensory Games and Activities

• Use your hands to make shadow puppets for baby
• Gently touch baby on the feet and tummy to make them giggle
• Play with a jack in the box or windup toy with baby to show motion
• Use animal sounds when playing with or reading to baby; point out an image of an animal then associate the sound that animal makes with the picture
• Walk with baby in a carrier or baby backpack
• Play with baby in many different positions
• Take baby on a walk in a stroller or jogger
• Use slow, rocking motions for calming and more vigorous motions for play time
• Give baby space to explore environment, while staying close to supervise
• Introduce new textures while baby is eating, sleeping, dressing, or playing outdoors, use a variety of sponges, soaps, and lotions during bath time
• Provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact with a parent or caregiver
• Encourage baby to play on the floor with toys of various colors, sizes, and shapes
• Allow baby to grab and explore items within reach

Communication Games and Activities

• Draw a picture of baby’s face and then point out the different parts
• Play with a pretend phone; talk into phone as you would a regular call, then offer it to baby to do the same
• Read short stories with baby
• Start using hand movements along with associated words to teach baby to communicate with gestures
• Describe your actions throughout the day as you dress, feed, and bathe baby. This gives baby an opportunity to listen to the sounds and rhythms of speech
• Respond to baby’s sounds and encourage two-way communication
• Play music throughout the day – lively, upbeat music during playtime, and quiet melodic music for naps and bedtime
• Read picture books together to help baby connect words and images
• Give baby frequent face time
• Point out objects while you walk and talk with baby

Feeding Games and Activities

• Try introducing pureed foods to baby. Puree a small amount of whatever you are having for dinner in a food processor, but be sure to avoid honey, cow’s milk, salt, and artificial sweeteners
• Introduce new foods gradually and watch for baby’s response
• Do not force food or show stress over a baby’s dislike for certain foods
• Change the texture of food if baby refuses food
• Provide baby with a healthy diet – avoid artificial ingredients, sugars, and preservatives

Pathways.org also asks parents and guardians to keep the following in mind:

Little Things Go a Long Way

Baby is watching everything you do! Simple things can help baby reach milestones. While folding laundry, give them a piece of clothing to investigate. While cooking dinner, let them sit in the kitchen to develop their senses and more! When baby spends time with you, they learn more about everyday objects and get to hear your words and voice.

Baby is Babbling 

Is baby starting to understand you? They may recognize the tone of your voice and are learning how to better communicate their needs. Don’t be surprised if baby reaches for you to be picked up, or shakes their head at you when they’re done feeding. These are baby’s newly learned communication skills.

Those Fingers are Getting Strong

Baby has recently discovered how amazing their hands are! Expect a lot of pointing and clapping. You may also notice their fine motor skills developing. This is great for picking up pieces of food, but watch out for pulling hair!

Michala Madison Reporting

(Information-Pathways.org/Photo-Shellyn Leeper Photography)