This month, your baby may be developing new tricks like the lobster claw "pincer grasp," and an entertaining routine with objects called "shake, bang, drop, and throw." And he may well say "mama," if he hasn't already. What's a great way for you two to engage? Play "peekaboo" with him in front of a mirror. Find out what else to expect this month, as we cover:
Helping Your 9-Month-Old Develop a Strong Mind and Body
The types of skills your baby develops (and the rate at which he develops them) will largely depend on his own abilities. Here are some things you can do to inspire and stimulate him this month:
- Read him books, naming objects and people.
- Teach him games such as "pat-a-cake" and "how big's the baby?" For more fun and games, check out Similac® Baby Games (PDF).
Baby Breath Holding
At some point during this stage of development, your baby may cry so hysterically that he holds his breath, turns blue, and briefly faints. Breath holding is usually more frightening to watch than it is threatening to your baby's emotional or physical health. Also, normal breathing resumes when he faints, so the spell usually is over quickly.
Only one in five babies typically experience breath-holding episodes, and the spells often result from crying out of anger, frustration, or pain. They can also occur when babies are over-stimulated, and spells are most common in babies and children from 6 months to 4 years.
If you're concerned about breath-holding spells or other behavioral issues, discuss them with your health care professional.
Back to Top >The Importance of Blankies and Teddy Bears
Stuffed animals, toys, or blankies can be a big part of your baby's emotional support system. In your baby's psyche, these objects have the power to:
- Comfort him when he's upset, afraid, or stressed.
- Help him feel at ease in an unfamiliar place.
- Reassure him when you're not there.
- Help him get to sleep.
Using a transitional object is not a sign of insecurity — it actually shows that your baby has been loved and nurtured, and that he's able to comfort himself. This is important as he becomes more independent.
Your baby will want to take his cuddly everywhere and may prefer it unwashed, because it has his scent on it (which may be what's so comforting about it).
Waking Up With Baby Separation Anxiety
Just when you thought your baby was sleeping through the night for good, he's up again. This time, he's not waking up because he's hungry. Now, he's struggling with separation anxiety. He wakes up looking for you and for reassurance. What to do? Here are some suggestions:
- Continue a consistent bedtime ritual for 10 to 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Encourage him to go to sleep with his blankie or stuffed animal. This will comfort him when he's afraid, and reassure him when you're not there.
- Go to him when he cries. Try not to turn on the light, rock him, or walk with him. If possible, don't take him out of his crib. Talk to him and pat or rub his back to soothe him.
- Check for a wet diaper or signs of illness.
For tips on dealing with baby separation anxiety during the day, see Where Did You Go? Baby Separation Anxiety.
A Little Condition Called Flat Feet
Sometimes a baby's feet seem to be flat, and you may be worried. But your baby's feet appear flat because a pad of fat is hiding the arch. This condition is very common in infants, and is usually nothing to worry about. You'll probably be able to see an arch when the fat disappears, usually in two or three years.
In the meantime, check with your health care professional if you have questions about whether your child's feet and legs are developing normally. Most minor foot and leg conditions are outgrown during childhood.
Back to Top >How to Say "No" to Your Baby
This month your baby has a great need to explore — and that means touching, tasting, and throwing things. That makes this a good time to learn to gently tell your baby "no." And "no" doesn't have to be a negative — it's really just a boundary you're creating to help teach your baby limits and protect him from harm.
Here are some suggestions for offering balanced discipline:
- Save it for important things, such as when your baby starts to play with something truly off-limits for safety reasons. Then say "no" firmly and remove him from the situation.
- Respond immediately. The most effective discipline occurs when he is in the act of misbehaving. Try to take full advantage of the moment.
- Quickly distract your baby when he does something he shouldn't do.
- You may have to repeat "no" several times.
- Be consistent. That way he'll begin to learn what he can and can't do.
- Although it's difficult, try to be patient.
- Reward his good behavior with praise and hugs.
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