Your baby's growth and development - 9 months old

At 9 months old, your baby is often sitting well and can roll both ways. They may use their fingers more carefully to pick up small objects, such as touching food with one finger.

They may look toward familiar objects when you name them and enjoy exploring a toy that is hidden. Your baby's attachment to you is becoming stronger and more secure.

Most sleep now happens at night, with less sleep during the day. At 9 months old, babies often have around 2 naps a day. This can vary and it is still normal for your baby to wake at night in their first year.

Your baby may also be teething at this age. This can be uncomfortable and your baby may seem unsettled, drool more and want to chew on things. You can help by offering safe teething toys and giving extra comfort.

Solid foods

At 9 months old, many babies eat solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. If your baby eats more solid foods, they may drink less milk.

By now, many babies are able to handle finger foods that they can pick up and eat themselves.

They may enjoy finger foods such as:

• small pieces of soft fruit (such as banana or avocado)
• boiled or steamed vegetables (such as soft beans or pumpkin)
• toast fingers or rusks

Regular cow's milk should not be used as the main source of milk in your baby's first year. Fruit juice and sweetened drinks are also not recommended during your baby's first year.

Offer your baby a variety of foods from each of the 5 food groups every day.

At 9 months old, your baby is growing steadily but usually not as fast as in the early months.

Your baby will grow at their own pace, and it's not helpful to compare your baby's growth with other babies.

Your baby's weight and length will be checked at regular health checks. These measurements are compared with standard growth charts to make sure your baby is growing steadily.

While every baby develops at their own rate, there are things that babies and children are generally expected to be doing at each age. These are called 'milestones'.

Physical development

At 9 months old, your baby may sit well without support and roll both ways. They may also pull themselves up to stand using furniture.

Some babies are now crawling. Don't worry if your baby isn't crawling. Some babies never crawl and go straight to walking.

Your baby's hand movements are becoming faster and smoother. They may move objects from one hand to the other and use their thumb and fingers to pick up small items.

Keep your baby safe by making sure anything dangerous — such as electrical cords, unstable furniture and hot drinks — are well out of reach.

Cognitive development

At 9 months old, your baby is curious about the world around them. They like to explore their surroundings and watch what is happening nearby. Your baby may point or poke at objects with their finger to show interest.

Your baby is also learning by copying you. They may try to clap their hands and start to understand simple words like 'no', although they may not always follow it.

Social development

By 9 months of age, your baby often enjoys being close to family. Many babies show signs of separation anxiety. They may cry or be upset when you leave the room and feel unsure around unfamiliar people.

Your baby may be interested in other babies, but they will mostly play alongside them rather than with them.

Emotional development

Your baby will feel most comfortable when you are around. Your baby may explore and play more confidently when you are nearby and return to you for reassurance.

Your baby may also start to show strong feelings, such as throwing their body back to protest when they do not like something.

Language development

Over the next few months, your baby may start to understand the meaning of words. If you point at something, they might look at it.

They may also:

• babble and say words like 'dada' or 'mama'
• copy sounds and shout to attract your attention
• pause or stop briefly when you say 'no'
• imitate actions such as clapping or waving
• enjoy finger rhymes and songs

As your baby settles into a daily routine, they are often awake more during the day. This gives you more time to play, talk and bond with them.

Your baby may be interested in toys they can touch, shake or move. These help them explore and learn.

To support language development:

• talk, sing and read to your baby
• let them explore safe spaces
• name objects they show interest in
• repeat simple words and actions during everyday play

When your baby is around unfamiliar people, your reassurance can help them feel safe and secure.

You can help your baby gain confidence in walking by giving them lots of safe chances to practise standing and cruising along furniture. Make sure there is a clear space to move so they can try small steps again and again. With practice, your baby often becomes steadier and more confident.

You may also want to use a toy trolley or stroller that they can hold onto while they learn to walk. Make sure it is stable and designed for your baby's age. Baby walkers are not recommended, as they can interfere with natural walking development and cause injuries.

Talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse if your baby:

• has not started to sit without support or show attempts to move, such as crawling or pulling up to stand
• is not interested in holding toys or passing objects between their hands
• is not babbling or making sounds
• does not respond to carers or make eye contact
• seems very uncomfortable during teething

At any age, it's important to speak to your doctor if your baby has stopped doing something they had already learned to do. This is sometimes called 'regression'.

If you are worried or would like to discuss any issues with your baby's development, speak to your doctor or maternal child health nurse.

You can also reach out to these support groups:

• The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority has information about your child's development from 8 to 12 months old.
• The Australian Breastfeeding Association has information about weight gain and growth patterns in breastfed babies.
• Children's Health — Queensland Hospital and Health Service has a fact sheet on development skills and activities from 8 to 12 months old.
• Tresillian has information on baby milestones and development.
• Child Health Info has a child development guide from birth up to 12 months old.