Your Intent Nine-Month-Old

By the Editors of Your Baby Today

Your baby now loves to play games. He'd rather not go to sleep. And he loves to practice "walking" while holding on to a steady yet movable object (like a laundry basket)! Your 9-month-old is starting to have a mind of his own. Isn't it wonderful to see your child seeking some independence?

 
Milestones this month*

• Your baby now can pull himself up to a standing position from sitting down.


• He can stand while holding on to someone or something.


• Baby uses the "pincer grasp,” holding tiny objects between his thumb and forefinger.


• He can walk while holding onto furniture.


• Baby drinks from a cup.


• He can stand alone for a few seconds or perhaps longer.


• Baby says "mama” or "dada.”


• He understands the meaning of "no.”


• Baby responds to simple commands (such as "Give Mommy the toy”).

*All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 9-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.

Skip that morning nap?

Your baby's newfound independence may lead him to try to overthrow your sleep rules -- at nap time and at bedtime. At 9 months, he may start to wean himself from a morning nap. Be supportive, unless he just can't make it to lunchtime without being fussy and overtired.

Bedtime rituals

Don't be surprised if your usually complacent baby starts refusing to go to bed. To keep the house calm at night, try these tips:

• Establish bedtime rituals that relax your baby. Give him a warm bath, read him a book, listen to soothing music, or rock him in a chair and cuddle.
  
  


• Don't rock him to sleep. Wait until he's very relaxed and drowsy but still awake before you put him in the crib. You want him to learn to fall asleep by himself.
  


• Once the baby is in his crib, leave the room. Even with his eyes closed, he';ll sense your presence, and that will alert and distract him.
  


• Encourage your baby to become attached to a particular doll, stuffed animal, or blanket. Make sure it's with him when he goes to bed.

Eventually, sleep will come easily again. And it should, for all the miles your baby's now putting on during the day.

Playtime