Baby Steps | 9 months+

What to know at this stage:

• Around 9 months, babies roll and crawl more confidently and feel comfortable exploring the home.
• At this age, they can sit more easily without support. In some cases, they can stand with assistance from an adult or by holding onto furniture.
• They drink from their own cup.
• First syllables and simple words may begin to appear, such as “mama” and “dada.”
• They become excited when they hear familiar words, such as “milk” or “food.”
• They continue to explore objects using both their hands and mouth.
• They understand simple instructions and imitate basic movements.
• They reach out to grasp objects.
• They enjoy physical contact and cuddling.
• They use their fingers to eat.
• They can now grasp small objects firmly using their thumb and index finger (pincer grasp).
• They love handing toys or objects to an adult and having them returned, and they enjoy playing with close family members.
• They enjoy touch, movement, and organizing objects.
• They love taking objects in and out of containers or dropping them to see what happens.
• Around 9 months, babies begin to handle toys more purposefully. This is a good stage to encourage independent play.
• They enjoy repetitive games.
• Teething continues.
• They begin to wave goodbye.

What is needed at this stage:

Clothing:
Clothing needs are continuous at this stage, as growth is rapid during the early years and wardrobes must adapt accordingly and with seasonal changes. First shoes become necessary once the baby begins walking.