9 Months of Age

Safety:

Your infant is moving more; be aware that they can fall off surfaces. Never leave the baby unattended on a bed, changing table or sofa.
Continue to use a rear-facing car seat secured in the backseat of the car.
Never drink hot liquids while holding your baby or near your baby to avoid burns from accidental spills.
Make sure your water heater temperature is set to a maximum of 120° F.
Lower the mattress to lowest level.
Review handouts provided at the visit in the Safety Packet, especially childproofing your home.
Keep the Poison Control Number in your phone or readily available: 1-800-222-1222
Children can drown in a few inches of water. Supervise your child in baths, buckets, pools or near toilets (consider a toilet lock).
AAP recommends insect repellents should be less than 30% DEET and used for infants 2 months old and older. Wash off skin with soap and water when done. Wash clothes before wearing again. Do not use combination DEET and sunscreen products. Apply permethrin for ticks to clothes, not to skin.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every 2 hours, and avoid peak sun intensity of 10 am to 3 pm.

Uses index finger and thumb to pick up small objects (Pincer grasp).
Pulls to stand by holding onto crib railing or furniture. May cruise or walk with support.
Crawling consists of scooting, creeping and commando crawling.
Says “dada” and “mama.”
Enjoys games like “peek a boo” and has favorite toys.
May be afraid of strangers.
Understands “no.”
Uses finger to point at things.

Stage 3 foods and/or soft table foods.
Avoid popcorn, nuts, whole grapes, raisins, hard candies, hot dogs or large chunks of food which pose choking hazards.
Continue to breastfeed or give formula only. No cow’s milk or other types of milk until 12 months of age.
Can give water in a sippy cup. Juice is not recommended and not necessary.

Teething: Do not use ORAGEL® or similar numbing gels. The ingredients are known to cause a rare serious disorder called methemoglobinemia. Offer cool, soft teething rings or toys.
Brush any erupted teeth with a soft infant brush and a tiny dab of fluoride kid’s toothpaste.

Please notify your provider if your baby is not sitting, does not babble, does not bear weight on his legs with support, or does not respond to his/her name.