At 9 months, a typical infant will have certain skills and reach growth markers called milestones.
Alternative Names
Growth milestones for children - 9 months; Childhood growth milestones - 9 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 9 months
Information
All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS
A 9 month old has usually reached the following milestones:
Gains weight at a slower rate -- about 15 grams per day, 1 pound per month
Increases in length by 1.5 centimeters per month
Bowel and bladder become more regular
Puts hands forward when the head is pointed to the ground (parachute reflex) to protect self from falling
Is able to crawl
Sits for long periods
Pulls self to standing position
Reaches for objects while sitting
Bangs objects together
Can grasp objects between the tip of the thumb and index finger
Feeds self with fingers
Throws or shakes objects
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
The 9 month old typically:
Babbles
Has separation anxiety and may cling to parents
Is developing depth perception
Understands that objects continue to exist, even when they are not seen (object constancy)
Responds to simple commands
Responds to name
Understands the meaning of "no"
Imitates speech sounds
May be afraid of being left alone
Plays interactive games, such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
Waves bye
PLAY
To help the development of the 9 month old:
Provide picture books
Provide different stimuli:
Go to the mall (people)
Go to the zoo (animals)
Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment
Teach hot and cold through play
Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking
Sing songs together
Avoid television time until age 2
A transition object may help decrease separation anxiety
References
Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 8.
Review Date:
11/9/2012
Reviewed By:
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
