Nine-Month-Old Developmental Milestones
At nine months old, your baby is growing into a curious, social, and active little explorer. This is an exciting stage filled with big changes as your baby’s personality and abilities continue to blossom. While every baby develops at their own pace, here’s a general guide to the milestones you might notice around nine months—and how you can support their development.
Social Milestones at Nine Months
At this age, babies are forming stronger emotional bonds and becoming more aware of the people around them. Your nine-month-old may:
Show clear preferences for familiar caregivers and display signs of stranger anxiety.
Enjoy interactive games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake.
Express a range of emotions like happiness, frustration, and excitement.
Respond to their name and understand simple words like "no."
Use gestures like raising their arms to be picked up or pointing to objects.
How to Support Social Development:
Engage in face-to-face games, offer lots of smiles and encouragement, and maintain consistent daily routines to help your baby feel secure and confident.
Suggestions: Talk to your baby while you are doing everyday activities like making dinner, giving them a bath, etc. The more words the baby hears the better! Read board books or any books!
Fine Motor Milestones at Nine Months
Your baby’s fine motor skills are becoming more refined as their coordination improves. Around nine months, many babies are able to:
Pick up small objects using a pincher grasp (thumb and forefinger).
Transfer toys from one hand to the other.
Bang two objects together to make sounds.
Feed themselves small finger foods with growing independence.
Explore toys by poking, shaking, or turning them around.
How to Support Fine Motor Development:
Offer safe, small toys and soft foods that your baby can grasp easily. Activities like stacking blocks, turning pages in board books, and exploring different textures are great at this stage.
Rain Rattle: https://amzn.to/3GHnLe4
Stacking Soft Blocks: https://amzn.to/3Gn4LBN
Gross Motor Milestones at Nine Months
Physically, nine-month-old babies are often on the move. Some of the gross motor skills you might notice include:
Sitting steadily without support.
Crawling on hands and knees, scooting, or moving around in their own unique way.
Pulling up to stand while holding onto furniture.
"Cruising" along furniture by stepping sideways while holding on.
Starting to balance briefly while standing with support.
How to Support Gross Motor Development:
Give your baby plenty of supervised floor time, encourage movement with toys placed just out of reach, and create a safe space for pulling up and cruising along furniture.
Soft interactive ball: https://amzn.to/434xXWU
Wiggle and Crawl musical ball: https://amzn.to/3EBxeDi
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
Every baby develops at their own pace. However, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician if your baby:
Isn’t babbling or making a variety of sounds.
Doesn’t respond to their name or familiar voices.
Cannot sit without support.
Shows little interest in reaching for or grasping objects.
Early conversations with your healthcare provider can ensure your baby gets the support they need if any concerns arise.