Alternative Names

Growth milestones for children - 9 months; Childhood growth milestones - 9 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 9 months

Information

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS

A 9 month old generally has reached the following milestones:

  • Gains weight at a slower rate -- approximately 15 grams per day, 1 pound per month
  • Increases in length by 1.5 centimeters per month
  • Becomes more regulated in bowel and bladder systems
  • Shows parachute reflex to protect self from falling
  • Is able to crawl
  • Remains sitting for prolonged periods
  • Pulls self to standing position
  • Has a pincer grasp between thumb and index finger
  • Feeds self
  • Throws or shakes objects

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS

The 9 month old typically:

  • Is developing depth perception
  • Achieves "object constancy", the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen
  • Responds to simple commands
  • Responds to name
  • Understands the meaning of "no"
  • Imitates speech sounds
  • May be afraid of being left alone
  • Plays interactive games

PLAY

To aid the development of the 9 month old:

  • Provide picture books
  • Provide different stimuli:
    • Go to the mall (people)
    • Go to the zoo (animals)
  • Play ball
  • Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment
  • Teach hot and cold through play
  • Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking
Review Date:12/4/2006
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.