6–9 Month Baby Milestones: Sitting, Reaching, and Early Crawling Skills

If you’re wondering what your baby should be doing between six and nine months, you’re not alone. This is often when babies become more active, more curious, and more confident in how they move and play. 

You may notice your baby sitting on their own, reaching for toys while staying balanced, or getting up onto hands and knees. According to Dr. Maria, Director of Pediatrics and Pediatric Physical Therapist, this stage is when babies begin using the strength they have been building in more purposeful ways. 

“Between six and nine months, babies often become steadier, more curious, and more determined to explore. You start to see them use sitting and floor play to build toward the next stage of movement.” 
— Maria Wojnowski, Director of Pediatrics, PT DPT 

If you’re just joining the series, you may want to start with 2–4 Month Baby Milestones: What to Expect and When to Ask Questions and 4–6 Month Baby Milestones: Rolling, Strength, and Early Sitting.

What Changes Between 6 and 9 Months?

Around this age, babies often begin moving with more control and purpose. 

Instead of only playing in one position, they start sitting more steadily, reaching farther for toys, and exploring how to get onto all fours. 

You may notice your baby: 

• • Sitting on their own  

• • Reaching and playing while seated  

• • Turning to grab toys  

• • Getting onto hands and knees  

• • Rocking in the crawling position  

These changes happen because babies are getting stronger through their trunk, shoulders, arms, and hips. 

What Milestones Should You Expect Between 6 and 9 Months? 

Every baby develops at their own pace, but many babies begin showing these skills during this stage. 

When Do Babies Sit Independently? 

Independent sitting is one of the biggest milestones during this stage. 

Many babies begin sitting on their own for longer periods of time between six and nine months. At first, sitting may still look a little wobbly. Over time, babies usually become more steady and confident. 

Before sitting fully on their own, you may see your baby: 

• • Sitting with less support  

• • Using their hands to catch themselves  

• • Staying upright for short periods  

• • Recovering balance after a wobble  

These small changes are part of learning how to sit independently.  

Why Is Seated Reaching and Playing Important? 

Once babies are sitting more steadily, they often start reaching for toys, turning to look around, and leaning during play. 

You might see your baby: 

• • Reaching for a toy off to the side  

• • Leaning forward to grab something  

• • Turning while staying balanced  

• • Playing with both hands while sitting  

This kind of play helps babies build balance, coordination, and body control. It also teaches them how to move without falling every time they shift their weight. 

When Do Babies Get Into the Crawling Position? 

During this stage, many babies begin moving into the crawling position, even if they are not fully crawling yet. 

This might look like: 

• • Getting onto hands and knees  

• • Holding themselves on all fours  

• • Rocking back and forth  

• • Trying to move forward or backward  

Parents sometimes focus only on whether a baby is crawling yet, but these early steps matter too. Time on hands and knees helps babies build strength and coordination for future movement. 

Does My Baby Need to Be Crawling by 9 Months? 

Not always. 

Some babies are crawling by the end of this stage, while others are still learning how to balance on all fours, shift their weight, or move between positions. 

What matters most is that your baby is showing progress over time and becoming more confident during floor play.

How Can Parents Support Development? 

The best way to support your baby’s development is to give them safe opportunities to move and explore. 

Simple things help the most: 

• • Plenty of floor play, sitting and playing 

• • Placing toys slightly out of reach  

• • Encouraging reaching in different directions  

• • Letting your baby practice time on hands and knees  

Babies learn by moving, playing, and figuring things out through experience.