Milestones Your Baby at 9 Months*

• What are some things you and your baby do together?
• What are some things your baby likes to do?
• Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
• Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
• Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

You know your baby best. Don’t wait. If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early – it can make a big difference. Talk with your baby’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more.
• Visit Nevada’s Early Intervention Services web page, or call (800) 522-0066 to find out if your baby can get services to help.
• For more on how to help your child click here and visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

As your baby’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby’s doctor and child care providers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby’s development.

• Repeat your baby’s sounds and say simple words using those sounds. For example, ifyour baby says “bababa,” repeat “bababa,” then say “book.”
• Place toys on the ground or on a play mat a little out of reach and encourage your baby tocrawl, scoot, or roll to get them. Celebrate when she reaches them.
• Teach your baby to wave “bye-bye” or shake his head “no.” For example, wave and say “bye-bye” when you are leaving. You can also teach simple baby sign language to help your baby tell you what he wants before he can use words.
• Play games, such as peek-a-boo. You can cover your head with a cloth and see if your baby pulls it off.
• Play with your baby by dumping blocks from a container and putting them back in together.
• Play games with your baby, such as my turn, your turn. Try this by passing a toy back and forth.
• “Read” to your baby. Reading can be talking about pictures. For example, while looking at books or magazines, name the pictures as you point to them.
• Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Babies learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
• Find out about choking risks and safe foods to feed your baby. Let him practice feeding himself with his fingers and using a cup with a small amount of water. Sit next to your baby and enjoy mealtime together. Expect spills. Learning is messy and fun!
• Ask for behaviors that you want. For example, instead of saying “don’t stand,” say “time to sit.”
• Help your baby get used to foods with different tastes and textures. Foods can be smooth, mashed, or finely chopped. Your baby might not like every food on the first try. Give her a chance to try foods again and again.
• Say a quick and cheerful goodbye instead of sneaking away so your baby knows you are leaving, even if he cries. He will learn to calm himself and what to expect. Let him know when you return by saying, “Daddy’s back!”

 To see more tips and activities, download CDC’s Milestone Tracker app.