Developmental Milestone Assessment for 6-7 Month Old Infant
The most likely additional developmental milestone this infant should have is holding her head steady without support (Answer A). 1, 2
Clinical Reasoning
This infant demonstrates developmental skills consistent with approximately 6-7 months of age:
- Social-emotional skills: Smiling back, imitating facial expressions, and babbling with facial expression are appropriate for this age 1
- Fine motor skills: Using eyes and hands together and reaching with one hand for toys indicates developing coordination 1
- Gross motor skills: Pushing up to elbows when prone is a 6-month milestone 1
Expected Milestone Progression
Head control without support should already be established by this age. 2 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- By 2 months: Infants should lift head and chest when prone 2
- By 6 months: Head should be held steady without support, which is a foundational skill for all subsequent motor development 1, 2
Analysis of Other Options
Option B (Rolling over in both directions): While rolling prone to supine should be present by 6 months, rolling in both directions is typically achieved closer to 9 months 1
Option C (Making crawling attempts): This is a later milestone, typically emerging after 7-9 months and requires more advanced motor coordination 1
Option D (Sitting without support): This milestone is expected around 9 months, and failure to achieve it by that age constitutes a red flag for developmental delay 1
Critical Clinical Context
The absence of steady head control at 6-7 months would be concerning. 1, 2 The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that:
- Head control is foundational for all subsequent gross motor development 2
- Inconsistent head control at 7 months suggests possible weakness or abnormal tone requiring further evaluation 1
- This skill should be well-established before progressing to rolling, sitting, and crawling 1, 2
Given this infant's other age-appropriate milestones, steady head control without support is the expected concurrent achievement that completes the developmental profile for this age range. 1, 2