FOR THE 9 MONTH OLD

Congratulations!  Your baby is now 9 months!  They are getting more and more fun, interactive and their personalities are surely developing and surprising you daily.  Now, you are likely noticing a lot of exciting new milestones.  Your little one is likely commando crawling or even crawling on all fours.  They are reaching for everything and moving around the room like never before.

Be aware, they can now grab things that you do not notice at first sight.  They have a pincer grasp (i.e. pointer finger and thumb grasp) and can pick up even the smallest of items.  Be careful!  This means they are at an increased risk of choking on items as they are finding things while they roam around.  Rule of thumb, if an item can fit through a toilet paper tube, it is a choking hazard.

Your baby is likely now also more scared or nervous around strangers.  This is normal.  Expect it and love the fact that you are the one they turn to for love, comfort and security.  Your baby should also be babbling by 9 months.  A lot of Mamama, Bababa, Papapa, and Dadada should be expected.  Don’t worry, you are not alone – most parents have a hard time telling if their baby is saying Mama or Dada to them or just in general.

Your baby should be eating solids 3 times per day.  They are also likely transitioning from purees to more textured foods (foods that are chopped up finely into small pieces).  They also can be eating snacks throughout the day.  It is appropriate to be drinking formula or breastfeeding multiple times through the day still.

Remember to give solids before milk because it is important to transition baby to a diet where most of their calories are coming from solids.  Water throughout the day from a sippy cup is also important to promote hydration and prevent constipation.  By 12 months, they should be eating the same foods as their parents (i.e. 3 meals per day, 2-3 snacks per day and 2 cups of milk per day).

Enjoy watching your baby’s discovery of the world around them as they get more mobile and more curious!

**Disclaimer – Any information found in these blog posts is only for informational purposes and not intended to replace the diagnosis and care of a physician.  Should you have any specific concerns about your child, please consult with your family doctor or pediatrician.