A 9-month-old infant is brought for routine check-up. The mother is concerned that the infant is not walking yet. Which of the following gross motor achievements is EXPECTED and NORMAL for a 9-month-old infant?

• A Walks independently with a wide-based gait
• B Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture
• C Stands without support for 10 seconds
• D Sits without support and begins to pull to stand using furniture ✓

Explanation

At 9 months, the expected gross motor milestones are: sits independently (achieved around 6–9 months), and begins to pull to standing position using furniture (around 9 months). Cruising along furniture occurs around 10 months. Standing without support occurs at ~10–12 months. Walking independently is a 12–15 month milestone. The mother's concern about not walking at 9 months is unfounded—walking independence is not expected until 12–15 months. Counseling the mother about normal developmental timeline is the appropriate response.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.