9 Months
Developmental Milestone
Language: Babies are always getting smarter. They’ll begin copying sounds and the movements that you do. They’re able to use their fingers to point towards objects they want. They also understand the meaning of “no”. You will still hear them babbling and calling out “mama” and “dada”.
Brain Development: Since they understand object permanence,they will look for things that you hide. They’ll love playing peek-a-boo and or pat-a-cake with you. You will find them able to move things from one hand to the other and they’re even able to pick up small things like cereal pieces. At this age, they may understand simple commands. They also may have a very short attention span and may play with toys for a small amount of time. Your baby will have the ability to copy actions that they have seen before.
Movement:They might still be wobbly on their feet, but they may attempt to stand up if holding on to something. They can fully sit up by themselves without any support, and they also try to crawl. With their hands, they’ll want to grab things. They are also able to wave goodbye. Make sure to secure cabinets that are reachable, especially those with medicines, household cleaners, and dangerous objects since your child will love to explore.
Diet: During this month, a baby may have more of an appetite, and you’ll find them snacking in between meals. Snacking is good when done healthily. Make sure snack time doesn’t disturb playtime or socializing time.
Eyes: Their eyesight is improving, and they will be able to recognize their parents as they walk across the room. They’ll also enjoy looking out of the car at passing objects.
Social-Emotional Milestone
Babies may react to people they don’t know and will want to be surrounded by adults that they recognize. You’ll see that they have chosen a favorite toy. Babies will often turn to a comfort object to help them cope when they miss their parents. Having this transitional object is a sign that your baby is realizing that you won’t always be with them every second of the day. This is a great time to let them meet other babies. When they meet other babies, your baby will often react to the other’s emotions.
Did You Know?
Did you know? As a newborn, babies have already developed their hippocampus. This is part of the brain that is in charge of memory. In a newborn, this part of the brain is already 40% developed. This is why, as they grow, they can remember more things and may copy actions that they have seen before.
Did you know? About 60% of babies that are about 9 months old, will turn to a comfort object to deal with separation from their parents. These could come in different forms, from a plastic plane to an old sock.
Action Items
Bring out toys that can help develop a child’s walking, whether it's through push or riding toys. These could also include large balls to roll or pillows that they can climb over.
Encourage your child’s creative side by giving them baby musical toys.
During snack time, make sure to serve more veggies and fruits. Try to stay away from sweets and salty foods.
Keep talking to your baby often and encourage chatter by responding to the baby happily.
Your baby’s memory is improving. Establishing a routine in some parts of the day can be helpful. For example, having a book or bath before bed will trigger a baby’s memory that sleep is what comes next.
Encourage your baby to start crawling first before walking. This helps develop their eye to hand coordination.
To help a baby develop their senses, help them go outside, and discover new scents. Let them smell foods and other objects such as flowers or fresh-cut grass. Just make sure they’re good to smell.
Note that good toys don’t have to be expensive. Your child may enjoy playing with a cereal box. To add a sense of newness to the box, add a ball in it or a string.
When your child is looking through a mirror, name different body parts to help them learn or make different expressions with your face.