Curiosity, needs, and desires are always a step ahead of motor skills, which could get the baby into some tricky situations. For example, your child might decide to grab a large object with two hands when standing supported by furniture, unconsciously resulting in relinquishing the support. The baby will either fall down or remain in this position until realizing there is no support, crying for assistance.

Later in the month or next month, the baby might be able to remain standing unsupported and may also try to get to a standing position alone, by moving from being on hands and knees to standing by pushing its arms to full extension to help straighten the legs.

Separation anxiety will likely peak over the next 4-8 months, so the baby may want to be close to at least one parent at all times, and may need additional reassurance that everything is fine.

The development of receptive language, or the ability to understand what you are saying, is particularly important during this stage. The baby will begin storing all this information in the brain and will gradually start using it when ready to communicate.