Developmental milestones at 9 months

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At 9 months, a typical infant will have certain skills and reach growth markers called milestones.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS

A 9-month-old has most often reached the following milestones:

  • Gains weight at a slower rate, about 15 grams (half an ounce) per day, 1 pound (450 grams) per month
  • Increases in length by 1.5 centimeters (a little over one-half inch) 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 goodbye

PLAY

To help the 9-month-old develop:

  • Provide picture books.
  • Provide different stimuli by going to the mall to see people, or to the zoo to see 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.
  • Try using a transition object to help decrease separation anxiety.

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