What developmental milestone should a nurse monitor in an 8-month-old infant?

At 8 months of age, infants typically begin to develop the ability to crawl, which is a significant gross motor milestone. Crawling involves coordination of movement and strength in the upper body and legs, allowing infants to explore their environment more actively. This skill not only promotes physical development but also encourages cognitive and sensory exploration as they learn about their surroundings.

Monitoring for crawling is crucial because it indicates the infant's progression in motor skills development and is often an important precursor to later milestones such as pulling up to stand and walking. If an infant is not showing signs of crawling by this age, it may warrant further assessment to rule out any developmental concerns.

In contrast, while walking usually begins around 12 months of age, and forming simple words or using a spoon typically occurs later, these skills are not expected milestones for an 8-month-old. Thus, focusing on crawling as a developmental milestone for an infant of this age aligns well with known growth patterns and expectations within infant development.