This is the start of a very active period during which babies begin to master basic motor skills. They often sit without support and will attempt to feed themselves finger foods. They grow accustomed to using their thumbs to grasp objects, and throw them! You’ll probably find that dropping objects from a high chair becomes a favorite pastime right about now.

Safety checks for the seventh, eighth and ninth months:

• This is a particularly dangerous stage of development because baby has started to "cruise" his or her environment. It’s a good idea for you to get on your hands and knees and get a "baby’s eye view" of such potential dangers as electrical cords and dangerous fluids.
• Keep normally harmless snacks - peanuts, popcorn, raisins - out of reach.
• At this stage many parents are tempted to give baby a "start" with a walker. Because of the hazards of falling, especially with stairs present, walkers are not recommended.