9 months milestones
at 9 months, most babies are crawling or finding their own way to get around. they understand more words than they can say and may show stranger anxiety — a normal sign of healthy attachment.
milestones at 9 months
physical
3 milestones- •sits well without support
- •pulls to stand holding furniture
- •crawls or moves by bottom-shuffling or commando-crawling
cognitive
3 milestones- •looks for hidden objects (developing object permanence)
- •uses pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up small objects
- •bangs two objects together
social & emotional
3 milestones- •may be clingy with familiar adults and wary of strangers
- •has favourite toys
- •plays peekaboo and pat-a-cake
language
3 milestones- •understands 'no' and simple instructions
- •makes many different consonant sounds (bababa, mamama, dadada)
- •points at things
when to talk to your GP
every child develops at their own pace, but speak to your GP or child health nurse if your child at 9 months:
- •doesn't bear weight on legs with support
- •doesn't sit with help
- •doesn't babble (mama, baba, dada)
- •doesn't play any back-and-forth games
- •doesn't respond to own name
what parents can do
- •baby-proof your home — they'll be on the move and into everything
- •offer finger foods to practice the pincer grasp (soft fruit, toast fingers)
- •hide toys under a cloth and let them find it
- •use simple words and short sentences throughout the day
- •be patient with stranger anxiety — it's a healthy sign of attachment
next health check
in Australia, child health checks are free and available through your GP or child health nurse. these are a great opportunity to discuss any developmental concerns.
view all baby milestones
the complete month-by-month guide from birth to 5
this guide is for general developmental information only and is not medical advice. milestones are based on guidelines from the Raising Children Network, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and PEDS. every child develops differently — if you have any concerns about your child's development, please see your GP or child health nurse. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.