Nine months can be an exciting stage.
Your baby may be sitting, making lots of sounds and becoming much more interested in people and objects around them.
Social development is growing
Around this age, many babies begin responding differently to familiar and unfamiliar people.
They may:
Look when their name is called.
Smile or laugh during familiar games.
React when a parent moves away.
Show different facial expressions.
Babies are exploring objects too
Simple activities can include:
Passing a toy from one hand to another.
Looking for an object that falls.
Banging two safe objects together.
Exploring different textures.
Looking through sturdy picture books.
Talk during everyday routines
You don’t need formal learning activities.
Say:
“Here is your blue cup.”
“Daddy is opening the door.”
“Where did the ball go?”
Back-and-forth interaction helps babies learn about communication and their surroundings.
Give floor time
A safe floor area gives babies opportunities to move, reach and explore.
Avoid relying too heavily on equipment that keeps them in one position for long periods.
Remember that milestones are guides. Babies do not all develop every skill on exactly the same day.
💚 Earlyhood Parent Tip
At nine months, your face, voice, floor space and a few safe objects can provide plenty of stimulation.
Simple interaction is powerful.