Routine Well Visit: 9 Months

Development

Baby is on the move!

  • He/she will be crawling, and may pull to stand or cruising as they hold onto furniture.
  • Baby will use a pincher gasp to pick up small objects, and almost everything dos to the mouth, so keep a watchful eye.
  • Baby will babble and imitate gestures and are learning to read facial expressions.
  • Baby will point to objects and understands some cause and effect – throwing things to the ground is great fun!.
  • They understand the word “No”

Nutrition

Have your baby join the rest of the family for meal-time.

  • Baby should have had a variety of foods by now. As messy as it can be, it is important to allow them to self-feed for at least a good part of the meal and drink from a sippy cup
  • Small pieces of soft foods may be cut and placed directly on the high chair tray. No nuts, hotdogs, popcorn, or other foods which can cause choking
  • Avoid honey until 1 year of age
  • Allow many types of healthy foods, but allow baby to determine when he/she is full
  • Baby will be drinking less formula and eating more solids, most babies take between 16-24 oz of formula or breast milk daily
  • Avoid candy or sweets instead offer fresh fruits

Sleep

  • Baby will sleep for about a 9-10 hour stretches at night. With one to two naps daily
  • Baby does not need to feed in the middle of the night – if baby wakes, gently soothe allow to self-soothe
  • Now that baby can roll both ways, they can sleep in any position they prefer
  • Keep the crib free of pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, and other soft items
  • Establish a regular nighttime schedule

Safety

  • Rear facing car seat, in the back seat, always secured
  • No bulky clothing while secured in seat
  • Lower the crib mattress to the lowest position to prevent falls
  • Always supervise Baby around pets

Relationships

  • Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety is prevalent – they can be shy or clingy in new situations and with people they don’t know
  • Engage with your baby with sensory toys, board books and play