Developmental Milestones for Your 9-Month Old

Remember that every child develops at a different pace.  So, not every child will be able to perform all of the following skills.  However, if your child or a child that you know is lacking in a great number of these developmental milestones, please contact your Regional Service Coordinator to arrange a free evaluation.
 

By 9 Months Old I Can: Sit up without much help Begin to pull myself up and stand with help Crawl or scoot myself forward Use my thumb and finger together to pick up little things Recognize and look for familiar people Start to imitate and make sounds like real words (Mamma, Dada) Love to dump toys or things out of containers Look at people and things without my eyes crossing or squinting Hold objects at a normal distance

To Help Me Develop and Keep Me Healthy, My Family Can:

• Play simple games like peek-a-boo, all gone, and so big
• Sing and read to me
• Give me a safe place to move all around
• Help me stand upright
• Give me toys that do things, push, pull, or make noise
• Help me learn to trust and feel secure by responding to my cries and sounds
• Know basic first aid and CPR
• Protect me from sharp corners I could bump into
• Gate off stairs at top and bottom
• Lower my crib mattress again so I can stand safely
• Never leave me alone in the tub
• Secure me in my high chair
• Let me feed myself pieces of soft food
• Don't let me eat hotdogs, peanuts, hard candy, or popcorn -- I can choke
• Begin to offer me a cup for liquids
• Brush my teeth daily with a small soft-bristled toothbrush and water