Which milestone indicates that a 9-month-old is likely developing appropriately?

Which milestone indicates that a 9-month-old is likely developing appropriately?

• A. Shows fear of strangers
• B. Stands up without support
• C. Crawls up stairs
• D. Develops fine motor skills

Answer: (A)

A 9-month-old typically shows increased social awareness and fear of strangers, which is a significant milestone in their emotional and social development. Around this age, infants are beginning to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar people, showing attachments to caregivers and displaying anxiety when approached by strangers. This behavior is part of normal emotional development and signifies that the child is developing appropriately in their ability to form attachments and recognize social cues, which is crucial for healthy interpersonal interactions as they grow. Crawling up stairs is generally more advanced and is typically seen later, as many infants may not yet be moving independently at this age. Standing up without support suggests a higher level of physical development that may not be attainable by all infants at this stage. Developing fine motor skills is indeed important, but the specific milestone of showing fear of strangers is a clear indicator of emotional and social progress in a 9-month-old.

A 9-month-old typically shows increased social awareness and fear of strangers, which is a significant milestone in their emotional and social development. Around this age, infants are beginning to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar people, showing attachments to caregivers and displaying anxiety when approached by strangers. This behavior is part of normal emotional development and signifies that the child is developing appropriately in their ability to form attachments and recognize social cues, which is crucial for healthy interpersonal interactions as they grow.

Crawling up stairs is generally more advanced and is typically seen later, as many infants may not yet be moving independently at this age. Standing up without support suggests a higher level of physical development that may not be attainable by all infants at this stage. Developing fine motor skills is indeed important, but the specific milestone of showing fear of strangers is a clear indicator of emotional and social progress in a 9-month-old.