Vision Development: 7-12 months

We continue with vision development through Edina’s eyes.  Please check out previous newsletters to read the first three parts of this story.

This section includes 6 months of developmental time from 7-12 months. Some kids are walking by 9 months and some don’t walk until 18 months. Same thing with crawling. Four to nine months is the typical range of “normal” development for crawling. I don’t want any parents worrying about their baby because of certain developmental cut-off dates. Remember, each child develops at his or her own rate.  Ask your pediatrician if you have concerns with the development or health of your baby.

7-12 months – Let the real FUN begin!

VISUAL OBSERVATIONS:

• Good tracking skills
• Judges distance more accurately at grasping & throwing objects (look out!)
• Eye color may change.  Most babies are born with blue eyes.  More dark pigment is produced in the iris, which will often change your baby’s eye color from blue to brown, green, gray or a mixture.
• Your baby’s eyes should work together as a team.  Misalignment of the eyes (called strabismus) should not be present.  If your baby’s eyes do not seem to be straight, take him for a professional eye examination from a developmental optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in working with children.
• Loves looking at self in the mirror

OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES:

• Your baby is now mobile.  Crawling and scooting develop. Your baby now covers more distances.
• Pulls self to stand.
• Some babies start walking between 9-12 months.
• Responds to his/her name.
• Begins to respond to “no.”
• Babbles chains of words.
• Developing good eye-hand coordination. Reaches with one hand, transfers objects from hand to hand.
• May be shy with strangers.
• Loves imitating people.
• May begin to be fearful in some situations.
• Finger feeds.
• Explores objects in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping).
• Uses pincer grasp.
• Puts objects into a container.
• Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair, listening to phone).
• Increasing attention to speech… says “dada” and “mama.”
• Imitates words.

For more pictures, videos and developmental milestones, click here

HOW TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT:

• Allow your baby to get on the floor and encourage him to crawl to you or toys.
• Provide plenty of SAFE objects and toys that can be pulled apart.
• Baby-proof your house. Bumps, bruises, eye injuries & other serious injuries can occur as your baby begins to physically explore the environment.  Keep cabinets that contain cleaning supplies or dangerous objects locked. Put barriers in front of stairwells.

Development does not always progress in a smooth manner.  All children develop at their own rate.

I am blessed to be a part of my child’s and grandchild’s life.

April 2012 Newsletter will cover Edina’s development up to 18 months, including her trip to Puerto Vallarta, where she first discovers the beauty and mysteries of the ocean!