Your nine month old's development (2024)

What can my baby do this month?

Playtime with your baby is becoming more fun. They will love to empty and fill containers, or stack cups and rings. At this age you and your partner will be their best playmates.

They'll probably be exploring more than just their own toys, and you may find yourself using the word “no” more often. They probably pick up more from your tone of voice than understanding the words you use, though. Childproofing your home will help to keep them out of harm’s way while they're discovering the world around them.

When will my baby start walking?

Your baby is getting closer to walking, but most babies don’t take their first steps until their first birthday. You may notice your baby cruising, which is where they pull themselves upright and then move around while holding on to furniture. A few nine month olds may take a few steps. If your child is one of these, they'll need support from you. Your baby is also learning how to bend their knees, and how to sit after standing, which is harder to master than you may think!

You can help your baby by standing or kneeling in front of them, holding both their hands, and walking them towards you. You could also buy a push-along toy, which your baby can hold on to as they walk. Look for toddle toys that are stable and have a wide base for support.

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Child-proofing your home is a necessity now. One good place to start is to put latches on the doors of cupboards. Whether it’s fragile or treasured possessions you’re protecting, or cleaning products that you’re keeping off limits, it’s best to securely store them out of harm’s way. Your baby won’t understand some items are off limits, so removing temptation is better at this age.

Should I buy my baby a pair of proper shoes?

If your baby is standing and cruising, you may wonder if they need a pair of shoes now. Until your baby is walking around on their own and going outdoors regularly, they won’t need to wear shoes (NHS 2015). Your baby’s feet grow very quickly and if their toes are cramped by tight shoes or socks, they can’t straighten out and grow as they should (NHS 2015).

Let your baby go barefoot around the house. Going barefoot helps strengthen the arches of their feet and their leg muscles. It can also make it easier for your baby to balance when they can feel the different textures they're walking on with their feet.

What games will my baby enjoy?

Your baby will enjoy putting objects in a container and removing them. Give them a plastic bucket and some large colourful blocks so they can practise this new skill. They will also like toys with moving parts, such as wheels, levers, or doors that open and close. Big plastic cars that your baby can roll around on the floor are fun toys for both boys and girls.

Your baby may also initiate passing games, by giving you toys and then taking them back (NHS 2016, Sheridan 2008). Join in the fun by rolling a ball to your baby when you’re playing on the floor and seeing if they roll it back to you. Give them a sorting toy or stacking rings and see if they sort, stack, or hand the pieces to you.

Bathtime is another great opportunity for some fun. Your baby will probably love playing with bubbles and filling little cups with water. Watch out, though. It won’t be long before they discover the trick of emptying the cups over the side of the bath. Try giving them a kitchen sieve to fill with water. They’ll love watching the water flow back into the bath.

My baby gets very distressed around other people. How can I help them adjust?

Although it’s normal for your baby to show an extreme attachment by clinging to you and hiding from others, it can be difficult for doting grandparents and care-givers who want to show your baby some affection (Sheridan 2008).

Let your friends and family know it’s a good idea to let your baby make the first move. It’s a good idea that your baby regularly spends time with different people, while they are with you, to help prepare them for time apart. Keeping your baby in a familiar environment while introducing new people may also help.

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How can I help my baby to understand and use words?

The torrent of words your baby has been hearing since birth is beginning to work its magic. Your baby’s babbling is probably starting to sound more like real words now, including mama and dada (ICAN 2011, Sheridan 2008).

If your baby uses a dummy to soothe themselves, that’s fine. But try to keep their dummy for settling times only, so that it doesn’t affect your baby’s babbling and learning to talk (NLT 2012, Talking Point nda). Read more about the pros and cons of dummies.

At this stage your baby still understands more from your tone than from your actual words. The more you talk to your baby while preparing dinner, getting dressed, or playing with them, the more they learn about communication (RCSLT 2003, Talking Point ndb).

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If you have a pushchair that has your baby facing you, talk to them as you walk, pointing out anything of interest as you go.

Around now, your baby begins to understand the word “no”, but they may not do what they're told just yet (ICAN 2011). However, they will respond to their name by looking around, or by stopping what they're doing to see who called (ICAN 2011, Sheridan 2008).

Is my baby developing normally?

Each baby is unique. Your baby will meet physical milestones at their own pace. These are simply guidelines to what your baby has the potential to accomplish, if not right now, then soon.

If your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), you’ll probably find that they need more time before they can do the same things as other babies their age. That’s why most babies born prematurely are given two ages by their doctors:

  • Chronological age, which is calculated from your baby’s date of birth.
  • Corrected age, which is calculated from your baby’s due date.

You should measure your premature baby’s development against their corrected age, not their actual date of birth. Your GP and health visitor will also assess your premature baby’s development from the time they should have been born (Hall and Elliman 2006).

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Go back to eight months old.

Go on to 10 months to find out what your baby may do next!

Your nine month old's development (2024)

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