We Have a 9-Month-Old Baby! What Next?
You have a 9-month-old baby who is getting so big! Parents may begin hearing a lot of babbling from a baby at this stage. Respond to this early communication by talking, nodding in agreement, or making sounds in your own loving way. Remember that you give those beginning sounds meaning by referring to the person and repeating the sounds the baby is creating… ‘mama’ / ‘dada’. Certainly, your baby is more aware but will still enjoy many of the activities for 6-9-month-old babies.
If your baby isn’t talking yet…you will notice, for example, that he/she uses body language to communicate! babies begin to understand ‘no’, a wave goodbye and pointing…and, your child is likely crawling and beginning to stand up with support. Nothing on a low surface is safe! They can move quickly!
Talk with your 9-month-old baby
By 9 months of age, your baby is interested in watching your lips, hearing your voice go up and down, and watching your facial expressions. Observe things as you walk outside. “look at the trees,” “I see a big cloud in the sky,” “There’s a sunflower,” “The grass is so green.” Talk about everyday things…including what you are doing… “I think I’ll make a cup of tea. First, I have to boil the water. I will get my cup and teabag ready. M-m-m, I am looking forward to drinking that tea!”
Your baby will begin to follow simple, voiced instructions like, “Give me a block.”
Listen to, and name sounds in the environment.
Identify a cat’s “meow,” a dog’s bark, the sound of the wind and rain, and/or note the cause and effect of the doorbell ringing.
Ask your 9-month-old to identify parts of the body.
Where is your nose? I see your eyes. Parents or caregivers may say, “Here are my ears. Can you find your ears?”
Sing songs!
Move, play, and bounce to the music! Dance!
Read a book!
Talk about the pictures in the book… your baby may begin to pat at pictures as you read. When parents or caregivers tell or read a simple story, it helps develop the baby’s imagination and lay the foundations of language. Try reading books together to end the day… your 9-month-old baby is ready to start a reading routine, and you may notice that he/she will begin to have favorite books!
Repeat nursery rhymes.
Feel the rhythm of the language. Do finder plays and hand gestures to tell the rhyme. Watch as your 9-month-old baby anticipates what comes next!
Babies at 9 months of age love texture books.
There are many great board books on the market, or… you can make a texture book. Turn the pages and point to the items… “Look at the red ribbon. This black paper is really rough. Can you find the shiny button?” Another suggestion is to add texture to a booklet of drawings or photos that you have compiled… add a bit of fun fur to a family pet photo; add corrugated cardboard to the roof on a picture of your house; a silky ribbon to your hair; a foil mirror beside a picture of your baby. Have fun!
Play together!
Play peek-a-boo; ring bells; hide a toy under a cup or blanket… (it disappeared! If your child looks for it, they are beginning to get a sense of object permanence.); play with a jack-in-the-box; stack rings; use early puzzles; knock down towers; pour a liquid (tub time) or sand using funnels, cups, and pails; drop balls of varying sizes into a container.
Get down on the floor with your baby and laugh and play!
You should never compare one child to the next, as they all develop at varying rates. But it’s good to reference the Important Milestones for Your Baby by Month.
Notice the growing connection that comes from your baby feeling loved and secure. As a grandma, I love watching the baby’s eyes “dance” or his/her body move as he/she anticipates our playtime.
By 11-12 months, your baby will be exploring the cause and effect of shaking, banging, throwing, dropping, poking at, and inspecting different objects. Giggle and laugh! You will notice that sense of humor developing!
Fine motor control for your 9-month-old baby
Your 9-month-old will develop fine motor control as he/she manipulates toys, begins to use a spoon, picks up finger food, and plays with his/her hands and feet. By 12 months, if you model the task, your baby may be able to hold a crayon and scribble on paper… but you will have to make sure they do not eat the crayon!
You may want to check this site… Play Activities for your 9-12-Month-Old – Cando Kiddo
Already, your baby has increased awareness of environmental sounds, labeling, speech, listening oral language, book language, print, visual development, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination! Before you know it, you will have a Twelve-Month-Old!
Check out this great, informative video about 9-month-old babies from Simply Parenting!
A few more good books for a 9-month-old:
- Zoe’s Rainy Day by Barbara Reid
- This Little Pig by Heather Collins
- Where’s Spot by Eric Hill
- Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker
- Baby Dance by Ann Taylor
- Where is Baby’s Belly Button by Karen Katz
- I love You, Good Night by Jon Buller and Susan Schade
- The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Twelve months have slipped by…. and a new phase starts… Enjoy your toddler!
Have fun!
Laurie
Check out this pin!
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/352758583298281940/
