...your family's pediatricians
What should my nine month old be doing?
All babies develop at different rates. Please do not be discouraged or worried, if your child has not achieved the following milestones by 9 months.
At this age, your child should:
- Stands holding on to furniture
- Goes from sitting to lying position unassisted
- May begin to say “mama” and “dada” appropriately
- Explores food with modified pincer grasp
- Stranger anxiety
- Cry when parents leave the room
- Loves to show off for a family audience.
What foods can I introduce at this age?
Around nine months, we suggest that you being to introduce egg yolks. Start with a small amount per feeding and increase slowly if there are no signs of allergy (rash, diarrhea, or irritability). You can also introduce yogurt and mild cheese as well as wheat.
Your child now has the ability to pick up small pieces of food. This is a good age to add some finger foods such as cheerios or cut up pasta. For more information of feeding, please read our handout "Starting Solid Foods".