1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

Baby Steps: Growth & Development

At nine months, your baby is combining syllables to make sounds that almost sound like words. He/she can stand while holding onto something, and may be using her thumb and finger to pick things up. Some babies are on the move now, using furniture and other objects to slide along or "cruise." If your baby's more advanced, he/she may be able to play pat-a-cake and say "mama" and "dada" to the right parent.19

Your baby may start making more correct associations, such as looking at the right picture when an image is named, and imitating other people's gestures. He/she may also smile at and kiss his/her own image in the mirror. They like to make sure you're close by when he/she's playing, and they may be more sensitive to other children being around.7

Back to Top

Doing Everything Right: Tips for new moms

  • It's a delight to watch your baby's language skills develop and his/her personality start to take shape. He/she's taking in everything they hear, so talk to him/her the same way you talk to other people and avoid baby talk. This will help him/her learn to pronounce words correctly.24
  • You may be wondering if it's time to buy shoes for your baby since he/she's doing a lot more standing, cruising and even walking. Most pediatricians think it's better to let him/her go barefoot until he/she's walking outside regularly. Going barefoot lets them feel what he/she's walking on so they can balance better, and it also helps strengthen his/her arches and leg muscles.25
  • Excessive thirst, dry mouth, headache, fatigue and little or no urination can be signs of dehydration. To prevent it, try to drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses a day; more when you're extra thirsty.15

Back to Top

7 “Month-by-Month Guide to Baby's Emotional Development” www.americanbaby.com

15 “Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?” www.cnn.com

19 “Milestone Charts: What to Expect from Your 7-to-12-Month-Old” www.babycenter.com

24 “Your 9-Month-Old” www.babycenter.com

25 “Your 9-Month-Old's Development” www.babycenter.com

The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's health.

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
More

Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.