Normal Development: 9 Months Old

Each child is unique. While some behavior and growth milestones tend to happen at certain ages, a wide range for each age is normal. It is okay if your child reaches some milestones earlier and others later than the average. If you have any concerns about your child's development, check with your healthcare provider. Here's what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 9 and 12 months.

Emotional

• Resists doing what he does not want to do.
• Loves showing off for family audience.
• May cry when parent leaves the room.
• May resist diapering.

Social

• May imitate parent behaviors such as cooking or cleaning.
• Imitates the rising and falling sounds of adult conversation.
• Repeats sounds again and again.
• May start to say "mama" or "dada".

Mental

• Continues to enjoy banging and waving toys.
• Gets absorbed in toys and games.
• Imitates speech sounds, but does not yet understand most of them.
• Explores food with fingers.
• Initiates play.

Physical

• Goes from sitting to lying position unassisted.
• May pull self to standing position.
• Stands holding on to furniture.
• Tries to move one foot in front of the other when held upright.
• Throws and shakes objects.
• May try to crawl up stairs.
• May start to walk with help.