6 - 9 MONTHS

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

ACTIVITIES

• Indoor Zoo (6 - 12 Months)

• Squish Squish (6 - 12 Months)

• Baby Drums (6 - 12 Months)

• Happy Song (6 - 12 Months)

• Bathtub Ice Game (6 - 12 Months)

• Pick Up Peas (6 - 12 Months)

• Silly Spot (6 - 12 Months)

• Sink or Float (6 - 12 Months)

• Squeeze! (6 - 12 Months)

• Tunnel Trip (6 - 12 Months)

• Upstairs/Downstairs (6 - 12 Months)

milestones (9 months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 9 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills.

Physical Development

• crawl or scoot around to get to toys and explore

• get into sitting position independently & sit without support

• pull self up to a standing position using furniture, remain standing with support

• pick up food and small objects with thumb and forefinger (“pincer grasp”)

• pick up objects using four fingers (“rake grasp”)

• may begin using spoon for self feeding

• transfer object smoothly from one hand to the other

Cognitive/Language Development

• point to what they want

• understand simple words like "no" and "bye-bye" (may wave bye-bye when someone leaves the room)

• respond to own name

• babbles; understands simple words like "mama" or "dada"

• looks at familiar objects or people when named

• understand “object permanence” (object continues to exist even when out of sight)

Social/Emotional Development

• develop attachment to stuffed animal or blanket

• imitate gestures and actions by adults

• develop stranger anxiety; prefer familiar people

• engage in back-and-forth interactions and games

• respond to simple, one-step requests (“Please give me the cup.”)

• may cry when mom, dad or nanny leave

• notice and react to other children

• imitates simple actions and facial expressions

tips

• aintain a predictable routine for sleep, feedings, and play

• read, speak and sing to baby frequently (use her name frequently)

• get on the floor with baby and play interactive games like “peek-a-boo”

• let baby practice grabbing small objects (don’t let her put them in her mouth)

• give baby lots of opportunites to crawl around, sit and stand up (watch her carefully!)

• narrate your actions and name objects frequently

• check to make sure environment is “childproof” so baby can freely explore and crawl around

• read books and sing songs that involve lots of actions and hand motions

CITATIONS
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-9mo.html
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-9.aspx
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/milestones/9-month-old.html
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20047086
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-first-year-milestones