Milestones: 8-12 months: physical development

Most babies approaching their first birthdays are on the brink of a major transition: they are about to get up and take those first tottering baby steps. Before your baby starts walking — which usually happens around or after the first birthday — he or she will typically be an accomplished crawler.

At this age, babies are also developing their eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills, banging objects together, holding small pieces of food between their thumbs and forefingers, drinking out of a sippy cup, and picking up and inspecting pretty much anything within reach (which is why it’s important to step up your baby-proofing efforts). Don’t worry too much if your baby fails to accomplish a few of the milestones listed below, but do consult your pediatrician if your child is not crawling or able to sit up independently.

By 8-12 months, most babies will: 

• Begin crawling (usually around 11-12 months)
• Sit up by themselves without any assistance
• Pull themselves up to a standing position with the aid of a chair or table
• Grasp small objects between their thumbs and forefingers (which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for choking hazards)
• Feed themselves with their hands
• Bang objects together (whether it’s appropriate or not)
• Try to pick up anything within reach (so you should baby-proof your home to accommodate a more mobile infant)
• Easily transfer objects from one hand to the other
• Be able to hold onto, and drink out of, a sippy cup

By 8-12 months, most babies may: 

• Walk while holding their hands on a table or other piece of furniture

By 8-12 months, most babies may even:

• Begin walking without any support
• Eat with a fork or spoon
• Put objects down gently, rather than dropping them on the floor or table
• Play patty-cake or give you a “high five”

More in milestones:

• 8-12 Months: Emotional Development
• 8-12 Months: Cognitive Development
• Why developmental milestones will make you crazy

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, December 2018