What to Expect At This Visit:
At 9 months there are no scheduled vaccinations. If your child is not up-to-date on any vaccinations, they may "catch up" now. However, we do a hemoglobin check to assure that your baby is not iron deficient.
Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.
Additional Vaccine Information: The American Academy of Pediatrics
Development:
Note: Please know that the development of each child is unique and special. The following information on development is general and meant for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about the development of your child, please let your pediatrician know.
*At 9 months your child will begin to learn to crawl and pull themselves up to standing. He/she will also learn how to pick up their toys with their fingers (rather than shoving a toy with their whole hand). Your child will also begin to say "Mama" and "Dada," knowing which names refers to who. Finally at 9 months, your child may start to be afraid of strangers.
*As your child continues to explore their world, they can get into mischief. Now is the best time to discuss with your family discipline. Make sure that all caregivers understand how you want to discipline your child.
*One thing to consider when disciplining your child is that this is an opportunity for your child to learn, rather than to be punished.
*At this age, it is recommended that you limit use of the word "No" for the most important issues (ex: safety issues). Instead of using "No" or "Don't," try to describe the action that you would prefer.
*Over the course of the next 3 months, your child's development will skyrocket. However, try to be realistic with your child's abilities. There is no need to rush your child's development or force them into activities they cannot do yet.
*At 9 months age, your baby will start to experience Stranger Anxiety. Your child may be afraid of strangers, including the pediatrician. Doctor visits at this age may be more frightening for them than previous visits.
Daily Life:
*As your child begins to teethe, you may notice that your child becomes very fussy and irritable. You may also notice your child drooling. Use a cool teething ring to help relieve your child's pain.
Feeding:
*With the eating of solid foods, your baby can be on the same eating schedule as the rest of your family. Encourage your baby to "talk" during family dinners, promoting family bonding.
*Try a variety of foods and textures when introducing foods to your child. Yet avoid mixing different textures of foods at the same time.
*At 9 months, it is a good time to encourage your child to try using a sippy cup instead of a bottle.
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
*At this age, your baby will love toys that have a cause and effect, for example a toy truck that moves when you push it.
*In addition, your baby will learn "Object Permanence," which is recognizing that an object hidden still exists. An example of this would be covering a block with a blanket. Your child will learn that even though they cannot see the block knows the block is still there. Your child will love playing "Peek a Boo" and singing songs that have clapping and gestures (ex: "Wheels on the Bus").
*TV is not recommended for children under 2 years old. Playing with your child, singing, and reading will encourage development better than television does.
Safety:
*Never leave your child alone while bathing, even for a second. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Set your water heater thermostat to less than 120 degrees. This helps prevent scalding water and burns.
Health:
Parents & Family:
Useful Resources & Links:
TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) tip sheet for 6-12 months
American Academy of Pediatrics' Information on Infant Car Seats
Read Me A Story Check-up Guide
Baby Safety up to One Year of Age