Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

9-month-old child

9-month-old babies practice their mental skills and acquire new social skills. Speedy crawling gets them to their destinations. Memory and mental capacities improve. At this age, babies begin developing at their own pace. Very active or very quiet babies may show different development and learning tasks from other babies. Do not worry. This is fine.

New fears and insecurities emerge. Jealousy by an older sibling may create rivalry, harassment, and steal attention away from the baby. This can slow the development of standing or walking in many second and third children. The baby adapts by learning to protect himself and his possessions. Although all children are unique, new growth and development milestones will typically occur by the end of 9 months.

The typical 9-month-old's motor skills include:

• trying to crawl upstairs
• starting to pull up and cruise holding on with both hands to furniture
• sitting steadily and for long periods of time
• sitting down after standing and
• using index finger to point, poke, and hook

The 9-month-old's language skills include:

• vocalizing emotions through voice signals
• imitating coughing, hissing, and tongue clicking
• listening to conversations and singing tones and
• following simple commands

The 9-month-old's mental abilities include:

• fearing heights
• uncovering toys that are seen hidden and
• retaining a series of ideas in mind

The 9-month-old's social traits include:

• performing for family and repeating the act if applauded
• crying when another child cries, showing sensitivity to others
• playing out new fears (stranger and separation anxiety is often very strong)
• showing interest in the play of others and may play patty-cake
• feeding self a cracker and
• choosing a special toy or blanket to sleep with or hold when anxious or tired

Turn your baby's fears into positive experiences. Boost morale with hugs or a sympathetic pat. Laughing at minor accidents encourages your baby's sense of humor. Be loving.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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