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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
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