8-9 months. The sixth developmental leap in a child's growth: categorization of objects and understanding of speech.

The child begins to recognize similarities and differences. They realize that different objects and sensations can be grouped into categories. A banana looks, tastes, and feels different from an apple, yet both can be eaten. The little one also learns more about their own emotions. A new period of anxiety may start around 8 months of age and last for 3 to 6 weeks. The child learns to see patterns and categorize objects based on specific traits. Their sense of smell, touch, sight, hearing, and emotions are developing. Understanding of speech is also actively progressing.