What milestone do infants typically achieve around the age of 8-10 months?

At 8-10 months of age, infants commonly develop the ability to crawl, marking a significant milestone in their physical development. Crawling indicates the strengthening of their muscles and coordination, allowing them to explore their environment more effectively. This developmental stage is crucial as it not only enhances motor skills but also promotes cognitive development through interaction with their surroundings.

During this period, infants are also refining their gross motor skills, which involves movements that use large muscle groups. Crawling typically occurs after infants have mastered skills such as rolling over and sitting up independently. The crawling phase encourages further movement, leading to standing and eventually walking as they grow older.

Other options might represent skills that develop at different stages. Drinking from a straw usually comes after children have mastered different forms of drinking. Standing alone generally occurs after they have practiced pulling up to stand and becoming more steady on their feet, which typically happens closer to 10-12 months. Holding small food between their fingers is more indicative of pincer grasp development, which usually becomes refined around 9 months, but the primary milestone of crawling remains the focus in this age range.