The 9th month
By the end of this month, your baby:
… should be able to:
- work to get to a toy that’s out of reach
- look for a dropped object
… will probably be able to:
- pull up to a standing position from sitting
- get into a sitting position from his stomach
- move around independently, such as crawling on her hands and knees or shuffling on her bottom
- object if you try to take a toy away
- stand holding onto someone or something
- pick up a tiny object with any part of thumb and finger
- say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ indiscriminately
- play peekaboo
… might possibly be able to:
- play pat-a-cake (clap hands) or wave bye-bye
- walk holding onto furniture (cruise)
- understand the word ‘no’ (but not always obey it)
… might even be able to:
- ‘play ball’ (roll ball back to you)
- drink from a cup independently
- pick up a tiny object neatly with the tips of his thumb and forefinger
- stand alone momentarily
- stand alone well
- say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ indiscriminately
- say one word other than ‘mama’ or ‘dada’
- respond to a one-step command with gestures (for example, if you say ‘give that to me’ with your hand out).
Children grow and develop at different rates. The information above is offered as a guide – there’s no need to expect your child’s development to fit with all the above descriptions. If you’re at all worried about your child’s development, it’s best to speak with your doctor or child health nurse.
