Your Nine Month Old

Developmental Milestones*

• Your baby now can pull himself up to a standing position from sitting down.
• He can stand while holding on to someone or something.
• Baby uses the "pincer grasp" holding tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.
• He can walk while holding onto furniture, crawl, or travel in some other way.
• Baby can drink from a sippy cup.
• Baby says "mama" or "dada" and babbles varying consonant sounds. 
• He waves or has learned some other trick.

*All babies develop differently.  If your 9-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will soon. If you have concerns about your baby's development, please schedule an appointment.

Feeding

For breast-feeding mothers, your infant should feed every 3-4 hours for about 10-15 minutes on each breast.  Mom should drink around 2 quarts of liquid per day and continue prenatal vitamins.

Formula fed babies will feed every 3-4 hours.   The amount per feeding will vary.  24-36 ounces in a 24-hour period is normal. 

Most babies at this age are able to sleep throughout the night without awakening for feedings.  Most that still wake do so out of habit and not really hunger.   Try to feed your baby more during the day to decrease night feedings if your baby is still waking up.  

Continue introducing baby food.  By this time, your baby has probably had most Stage I foods and many of the Stage II’s.  We still recommend waiting at least 3-4 days in between new foods.  This way, if your baby has a reaction to one of the foods, you will know which one caused the problem.  Formula or breast milk still needs to be the main source of nutrition.  As long as your baby still drinks about 24 ounces a day, he or she may be able to tolerate three meals a day.  If not, stick to two for now.   Most babies can handle finger foods, like Gerber puffs or cheerios, by this age.  You can now also start experimenting with table foods.  Please ask for our food introduction schedule during your 9-month physical if you do not have a copy already.  Remember NOT to give your baby any whole milk, chocolate, honey, orange juice, peanuts or seafood yet.  Any other table food as long as it is cooked and chopped up or mashed is probably okay at this point.  Again, remember to wait 3-4 days in between new foods.   

It is still not necessary to give babies water, even in summer months.  We only recommend pear or prune juice for the treatment of constipation.  No other juices are necessary and can lead to tooth decay. 

Please continue to administer a multi-vitamin with fluoride daily. 

Bowel Movements/ Urine

• There is a wide variation on how often your baby poops and what the stools look like. Please be advised that as different foods are introduced, your baby’s bowel movements will most definitely change in various ways. This is normal. Please inform us if the stools are watery, mucousy, hard as pebbles, red, or tarry black.
• Normally a baby will have 6-8 wet diapers per day.

Activity

• Don’t forget to brush your baby’s teeth and/or gums. You may use a baby toothbrush, finger mitt, or even just a wet washcloth. No toothpaste. Twice a day preferably but at least once a night before bedtime. If you notice any stains or discolorations on your baby’s teeth, please let us know. It is also advisable at this time to discontinue overnight feedings and to make sure your baby is not falling asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth.
• A car seat is very important, even for short trips. The car seat should be rear facing and in the back of the car.  Please check your seat’s requirements.  Some nine month olds may outgrow their infant car seat.  Convertible seats accommodate heavier babies rear-facing until they can be safely turned around at 12 months old.  Please note: Babies must be at least 20 pounds and 12 months old before they can be forward facing. 
• Avoid sun exposure since your baby’s skin is delicate and more likely to burn. Sunscreen can safely be used.  Try to use a sunscreen made for babies and be careful around their eyes.  Take advantage of SPF clothing and wide brimmed hats.  
• Utilize insect netting when outdoors.  Insect repellent is NOT advised. 
• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and an escape plan.
• Start baby proofing your home if you have not already.  Your baby is becoming more mobile and more curious by the day. 
• Remove mobiles and other hanging toys from the crib as soon as your child can reach up and touch them.
• Remove the crib bumper pad as baby may use it as a step to climb out.

Parental Support

Please remember that taking care of a baby can be difficult at times and downright exhausting.  Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need a break.  Stay rested and eat well.  If you need to have someone watch your baby so you can sleep or eat, that is okay and strongly recommended.  If you feel you need help and do not have anyone to help you, please contact our office.

Vaccines

Your baby may or may not receive immunizations during his or her 9-month visit.  Please visit the vaccine section of this website for more information on specific vaccines and their administration schedule.

Please note that we will not administer vaccines to any child whose parent or guardian is not present for the visit.  This is our office policy.  We understand that parents have busy schedules but no exceptions to this rule will be made.

Medicines