What to expect of a 9 month old (1036)

Many babies begin crawling during the 9th month. It's exciting for babies to move around on their own, but it is scary, too!

Baby's first efforts to crawl will probably be toward something--a favorite toy or you. Don't be surprised if baby falls on her face a few times while getting started. Keep her on a soft blanket or carpet.

Once baby crawls, pulling up to a standing position isn't far behind. Watch out! Baby may get up and not know how to get back down. He may cry to be rescued again and again. You can try to teach him to get down onto his knees or bottom. Be patient, your child will learn soon.

Does baby like to drop things from her crib or high chair for you to pick up? This can be annoying. It's a sign that baby's memory is developing. Now your child knows that the toy or food she drops will land on the floor, and she likes to see and hear the food drop.

Do not tie toys to baby's crib or playpen so that he won't drop them. The string can choke your child. Baby's developing memory means she gets mad when someone takes a toy away.

Some of the major milestones for the 9 month old include:

- Crawling, and crawling up stairs.

- Sitting by himself, and standing when his hand is held. Also, he may pull himself up by holding on to furniture.

- Picking up small things with finger and thumb, and big things with both hands.

- Understanding some words, her name and simple sentences also happens at about 9 months of age.

- Additional milestones include listening to people talking and trying to imitate sounds.

- Beginning to say two-syllable sounds like da-da.

- Trying to figure things out by himself, remembering more from yesterday.

And becoming sensitive and maybe afraid of things that didn't bother her before.

You can help baby learn:

- by talking and listening to baby.

- by praising baby when she does something new.

- by giving baby finger foods so he can practice picking up small things.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

Feel free to forward, post or reprint any of the "Solutions" in their entirely, but please credit http://www.solutions.psu.edu/ as the original source of information, and please do not change the content.