Which Gross Motor Development occurs in a 6-8 month old Infant?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

The milestone of sitting without support is characteristically achieved within the 6 to 8-month age frame.
At 6 months, an infant typically sits with support, often in a 'tripod' position, using their arms for balance.
By 8 months, the infant develops sufficient trunk strength and balance to sit independently without needing to use their hands for support.
This progression aligns with the cephalocaudal principle, where control over the head and trunk precedes control over the legs and feet.

Option A: Holding the head erect is a much earlier milestone, typically mastered by 3-4 months. An 8-month-old has well-established head control.
Option C: Crawling is a later milestone. While some infants may begin to crawl with their abdomen on the ground at 8 months, true crawling (creeping with abdomen off the ground) typically develops around 9-10 months.
Option D: Standing with support (pulling to stand) is a later milestone, typically achieved at 9 months.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Gross motor development milestones in infancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use developmental milestones as a fundamental tool for health supervision and developmental surveillance during well-child visits.
Identifying delays is crucial. If an infant is not sitting without support by 9 months, it is a red flag that warrants a more detailed developmental assessment and potential referral.
Nurses can educate parents on the importance of 'tummy time' and floor play to help strengthen the neck, back, and core muscles necessary for achieving these milestones.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for a specific gross motor milestone for the 6-8 month age range.
This is a factual recall question based on developmental timelines.
Mentally review the cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) progression of motor skills.
Evaluate each option against the 6-8 month window: 'Holds head erect' is too early. 'Crawling' and 'Stands with support' are too late.
Conclude that 'Sits without support' is the milestone that fits perfectly within this timeframe, as infants progress from sitting with support at 6 months to sitting without support by 8 months.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Gross motor development milestones in infancy.
Stem keywords: Gross Motor Development, 6-8 month old, Infant
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: The age range '6-8 months' is the key clinical detail, requiring knowledge of milestones that begin and are mastered within this window.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 25-27, 24-26, 23-25

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.