Healthy Start, Grow Smart Healthy Start, Grow Smart

Your Nine-Month -Old Your Nine-Month -Old
Prepared by

U.S. Department of A

U.S. Department of 

U.S. Department of Health an

2002

Healthy 

Grow Sm

Your Nine-M
Here’s What’s Inside

Nine Months—and Growing! ...................Questions Parents Ask ..............................Safety First—at Every Age ........................Other Possible Hazards Need Special AttenGames for Learning ..................................Your Baby’s Nine-Month Checkup ...........Guiding Your Baby ....................................Early Intervention and Your Baby’s DeveloGames for Skill Building ..........................What’s It like To Be Nine Months Old? ....Bathing Your Baby ....................................Bowel Habits .............................................Sleeping Patterns ......................................Help Your Baby Feed Himself ...................Solid Foods ................................................Breastfeeding Tips .....................................Protect Your Baby’s Teeth .........................Choking Hazards for Young Eaters ..........Take Time for Yourself ..............................

When Someone Else Cares for Your Baby How Children Grow ..................................Information Resources for Families .........

AcknowledgmentsThis publication was an initiative of Laura Bush as the First Lady of Texasand sponsored by the Texas Department of Health. President Bush and Mrs.Bush have asked that this series of booklets be revised and distributed bythe U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services.We would like to thank the Texas Department of Health for their cooperation and assistance in bringing this publication to families across the

United States. In addition, we recognize the contributions that Susan H.Landry, Ph.D., Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. and many other individuals made inthe development of this magazine.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 1 

Nine Months—and G

Mickey 

parents, Lfamily. Lislooks forwa better joAnd Mickwithout wthrough tacross the can’t be fawhen he s

Mickey nurses several times a day, but he dinner. Tonight he will have mashed sweecheese. Next week he will go to the clinic Now Lisa and José are eager to know wha

★ Mickey doesn’t drink from a cup—is ★ And what about crawling? Will that m★ How can Lisa and José help Mickey c

And what about you and your baby? In thinine-month-old baby grows and learns.
★ Talk it out. Discuss feeding and snac

than doughnuts.” Explain about bedtand pat him on the back until he stoabout playing and toys. “He loves to 

★ Let grandparents know specific ways 

help me most by baby-sitting once a enough quarters for the laundromat

After your explanations, grandparents and this way, and all our kids turned out all ri“Thank you for your opinion. I know you let them know that new information is nodevelop and what things to try to avoid.When grandparents baby-sit, give them foExplain safety issues to them. They may hsafety or they may have forgotten how actHave on hand anything else your baby maabout any allergies or problems, like teethRemember that no one will care for your Everyone does it differently. Your baby wigrandparents in a special way.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 2 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 3 

Questions Parents Ask

QuestionMy mother is always telling me how totake care of my baby. I know she meanswell, but it makes me upset. I don’t wantto hurt her feelings. What can I do?AnswerGrandparents naturally want to beinvolved in your baby’s life. Otherrelatives may also offer advice. They oftenthink they can save you from mistakesthey made. They only want the best foryour child. 

All parents have to find their own way of rearing children. Everyone makesmistakes. No one does it perfectly. Here are some ideas to try:

★ Be open-minded. Use the advice that makes sense to you. Forget the

rest. For example, your mom may insist that you “dress up” the babywhen you take him out. But you may find that your baby is morecomfortable without a bonnet and shoes. So you dress him in a playshirt, diapers and socks.

★ Explain what you are doing. “We don’t toss him in the air or play

‘horsy.’ That kind of rough play can damage his brain.”

★ Point to an expert. “My doctor told me to put him to sleep on his

back.”
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 4 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 5 

Safety First—at Every AgeAlways remember

★ Buckle your baby into a car safety

seat every time he rides in a car. Makesure the safety seat is correctlysecured.

★ Stay with your baby when he is

playing near or in water. Watch himclosely.

★ Never, ever shake your baby. ★ Put your baby to sleep on his back

unless your doctor tells you to dootherwise. Insist that others who carefor your baby do the same.

★ Serve healthy foods. Avoid sweetened, salty or fatty ones.★ Lock up alcohol, drugs and other chemicals. These can kill your baby.★ Put away knives, guns, matches, bug spray, medicine, detergents,

disinfectants and other items that can hurt your baby. Put them in aplace your exploring baby can’t reach or open.

Home hazardsYour baby is moving around a lot more. At this age, babies are naturallycurious and get into everything. But they don’t know what can hurt them. It’sup to parents to keep babies safe. Check your house for safety hazards often:

★ Vacuum or sweep the floors. Pick up any small items such as buttons,

coins and paper clips.

★ Latch window guards or open windows from the top.★ Latch safety gates across stairs.★ Lock the doors to balconies and decks.★ Move electric fans out of baby’s reach.

★ Place a protective screen around a sp

from curtains, paper and other mate

★ If you have a gun, store it under lock 

loaded.

★ Check toys. If you find any loose or b

remove it right away.

While your baby is awake and moving, staA pencil may seem harmless, but in a babYour careful watching will prevent accidenWater safetyWater is great for cleaning and drinking. BuThey can drown in only a few inches of wat

★ Empty your mop bucket right after u★ In the house and outside, store buck

containers upside down.

★ Always keep one hand on your baby w★ Use a rubber mat, rubber decals or a 

slipping in the bathtub.

★ Keep toilet lids closed. Use safety latc★ Save swimming until your baby is ou

hose or sprinkler instead. Babies are leave germs in swimming pools. Chlogerms but not all of them. And it takcause infections. 

★ If you live near a swimming pool, ma

locked gate. Keep your baby away fro
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 6 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 7 

Other Possible Hazards Need Special AttentionElectrical cords: Cords invite pulling and tripping. Secure the cords

along the base of the wall with clips or tape. 

Electrical outlets: Cover outlets with plastic plug inserts available at

the grocery or hardware store. 

Blind cords: Mini blinds and drapes often have long cords. Tie these up,

out of your baby’s reach. 

Lead paint: Wooden trim in older buildings is sometimes covered with

paint that contains lead. This long-acting poison can hurt your child.

Lightweight furniture: Before long, your baby will be pulling himselfup to stand. Almost all children use furniture to hold on to as they stand.Top-heavy furniture, like a TV stand, could topple over onto your baby.Rearrange furniture now, and you won’t have to worry later. When your baby does begin to reach for something he shouldn’t, tellinghim “no” in a warm but firm voice will help him learn what’s not okay totouch. It will take many “nos” before your baby will avoid reaching forsomething he shouldn’t. You must say “no” and continue to watch yourbaby carefully. Babies this age are too young to trust to do the safe thing.Anger isn’t helpful and may only scare him.

Games for Learning

Childr

your niTry somlearn abhave fuRead pimagazibaby. Pcolors aexamplthe girlblue sh

Feel textures. Cut squares of fabric and glTry to have a variety of textures like cordufur. Let your baby sit with you and help htextures with his hands. Describe the textsmooth, soft, bumpy and prickly.Fill and dump. Gather five or six small, emboxes, an oatmeal box and small cereal boclosed. Give your baby a small paper bag. with groceries and dump them out again.Love the baby. Give your baby a large baby him how to rock and cuddle with the doll“mouth,” “ears,” “tummy” and “legs,” for these features are on his body. Say “Here your ears?”
Your Baby’s Nine-Month Checkup

Babies need to go to the doctor often, even when they are well.

They get shots to keep them from catching diseases. They get a physicalexam to see how they are growing. If a problem is found, your doctor willsuggest what to do. Taking care of small problems now will often keepthem from becoming big problems later.Doctor visits are also a good time to learn more. Ask the doctor or nurseabout such things as:

★ taking the baby’s temperature,★ giving medicine or home remedies,★ feeding milk and solid foods,★ giving vitamins or other supplements,★ putting the baby to sleep, and★ following advice on baby care that others give you.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 8 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 9 

Guiding Your Baby

Your baby 

about his wthings that hurt other world—wittastes, smesometimes For examplthe coat bucrawls over

into his mouth. Jarvis’ mother catches hitongue. She startles him when she says in Don’t put that in your mouth.” Next timevoice to stop Jarvis, his mother can calmlbutton. She can gently tell him why he shmouth and then give him a safe toy to plaParents can teach more and scold less by made your home safe with childproofing, curious nine-month-old. It’s time to childskills and interests in mind. You can start Pretend you are your crawling baby. You’llevel than you do standing up. 
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 10 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 11 

Early Intervention and Your Baby’s Developing Skills

Children learn skills as they grow.

These skills happen by certain ages. Achild learns skills at his own pace. You cansee how your baby is doing. Watch whenhe starts to crawl, walk, talk and feedhimself.

If you are concerned that your baby is learning skills too slowly, talk toyour doctor. You can also call 1-800-695-0285 to get information. The callis free. When you call, you will be told how to contact the early interventionprogram in your state. Staff of your state’s early intervention program canassist you in finding help in your state.

What is an early intervention program?An early intervention program helps children from birth to age three. Earlyintervention staff can help your baby learn to roll over, sit up, crawl andgrasp toys.They also help children who are having problems with seeing, hearing andtalking. How does an early intervention program help?It can help your child with needed services and also help you join asupport group. Your family and early intervention staff can work together to plan services.These services teach basic skills and can be done in your home or duringchild care. 

Games for Skill BuildiPhysical skills: Your baby is probably c

floor. Help him build strong muscles and mountain for him to climb by piling pillowcrawl over the mountain. Sit on the floor steady him as he climbs.

Social skills: Sing songs with your baby

music from the public library. Dance with motions that match the words of the song

Emotional skills: Your baby can proba

an unbreakable mirror on a wall low to thlook at himself in the mirror. Talk to him “Look at Juan in the mirror. He’s smiling 

Language skills: Your nine-month-old 

sounds and soon will be saying words. Talwhich you say sounds—“ma-ma-ma-ma,” repeat the sound to you. When he makes 

Intellectual skills: Your baby is learni

can’t see them. He can follow your voice fto get a ball that has rolled under a chair. Get a small object like a block or a spoon. scarf. Ask “Where is the block?” Let your bthe scarf. He’ll love to play this game over 
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 12 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 13 

Bathing Your BabyYour baby will probably enjoy his da

all of him clean while he splashes, slides aYour baby may have great balance and sit needs the safety of a plastic baby bathtub tub or chair, keep one arm around the babthings you need before he goes into the wEncourage water play. It helps build coordbaby bath toys and let him splash, pour anteach. Talk to your baby about water and hable to say the words yet, he’ll begin to un“wet,” “float” and “sink.”

Keep your baby safe in the bath. H

★ Stay alert. Don’t take your hand off t

must move away, take the baby with 

★ Give your baby toys for the bath. Sto

hangs from the showerhead. They wiother bathers.

★ Drain the tub right after the bath.★ Don’t let your baby go into the bathr

bathroom door closed and the toilet 

What’s It Like To Be Nine Months Old?

★ I can move toys and other small things from one hand to the other.★ I may begin to pull myself up to stand. But I need something sturdy to

hold on to.

★ I can pick up toys, food and small things using my fingers and thumb.★ I usually put a toy or food down by dropping or throwing it.★ I have good balance and can sit by myself. ★ I crawl on my hands and knees. I may try to move up and down stairs.★ I like to watch people, animals, things and activities around me.★ I want to taste everything I touch.★ I practice making noises with my mouth. I try to copy the sounds I hear.★ I recognize my family and like being with them.★ I am sometimes afraid of strangers. I don’t like being away from my

parents.

★ I like to play peek-a-boo and other games that help me find hidden

things.

★ I like to show that I know how to use everyday items like a cup, a

hairbrush and a ball.

★ I like songs and rhymes and can bounce-dance to music.★ I know my name and smile when someone says it. 
Bowel Habits

Because your baby is eating more solid foods, his bowel movements

may change. Solid food moves more slowly through the intestines. Andstools become heavier and less frequent.Some babies have one or two bowel movements a day. Your baby may haveone every other day. For some children that’s normal. If the bowelmovement is hard and painful, check with your doctor.It is too early for your baby to start learning to use the toilet. Thislearning must wait until two things happen. Your child must be able tofeel his body’s “need to go.” He must also be able to get to the toilet.Usually this doesn’t happen until a child is two years old or older. Tryingto start earlier will be frustrating for you and your baby.You can start preparing for this learning now. Talk to your baby when youchange his diaper. Say, for example, “Wow! Your diaper is so wet thismorning. Let’s change it and make you clean and dry again.” This helpsyour baby learn the words wet and dry. This helps him connect being dryto being comfortable.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 14 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 15 

SleepThe or

every daPutting bathing common feel lovetimes foAt this ahours a 

sleep of about 10 hours, a short morning nA nine-month-old may stay awake past regwhen your baby is excited, involved in actiaway from you.Avoid sleep problems by building routines active play to restful sleep. You can turn dnoise like the TV or music. Your baby will doesn’t think he’ll miss something excitinCreate a routine. This could include a sootgood-night kisses to family members. Give blanket or other “snuggly.” Put it and youkeep the sides up and securely fastened.Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t go to sleep himself and later fall asleep on top of the ccomfort habits—rocking or sucking a thumhelp him put himself to sleep.Be consistent with your bedtime routine. RBut make sure he knows that you mean bu
Cooked vegetables also make great finger 

cooked squash, sweet potato, white potatovegetables now. Your baby doesn’t have enEquipment for happy meals

★ Highchair. If you have one, make sur

tray as well as a harness or safety belunderneath at mealtime to make clea

★ Bibs. Look for rigid plastic bibs with ★ Dishes. Use a heavy plastic bowl that 

chair tray table. You can serve most flittle warmer.

★ Cups. Serve liquids in a baby cup wit

spout. This kind of cup makes learnin

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 16 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 17 

Help Your Baby Feed Himself 

By nine months of age, your baby

can grasp food and get it to hismouth. He will be more successfulfeeding himself if you serve the rightfoods in the right sizes.Serve finger foods as part of the mainmeal. For example, you may need tospoon feed cereal and peaches, butyour baby can manage to feed himselfsmall pieces of cracker.

Let your baby discover the tastes and textures of finger foods. Watch yourbaby carefully as you give him very small pieces of the following finger foods:

★

Toasted bread crusts

★ Crackers★ Zwieback toast★ Cheese cubes★ Cooked pasta★ Slices of ripe peach or pear★ Rice
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 18 Your Nine-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 19 

Solid FoodsLearning to eat solid foods is a big task for an infant. Your baby has

learned hunger can be satisfied with breast milk or infant formula. Now hehas to learn that hunger can also be satisfied with solid foods. By ninemonths, your baby will probably enjoy three main meals a day withmorning and afternoon snacks. His nutrition now comes more from solidfood and less from breast milk or formula. Continue to offer new foods. But include a variety of foods at every meal.Most of the foods you prepare for your family are fine for your nine-monthold. Chop food into small pieces. If your baby develops a rash, diarrhea orsigns of upset stomach after eating a new food, stop serving it. Avoid cow’smilk, honey, salt, hot spices and added sugar.Don’t worry about your baby not getting enough to eat. You don’t need tocoax and urge, “One more bite for daddy.” If you offer a variety of healthfulfoods, your baby will eat what he needs. Just don’t fill him up with cookies,sweet drinks or juices.

If your baby is hungry for a snack, try these foods:

★ Pieces of banana★ Thin slices of whole wheat bread and butter★ Plain yogurt mixed with mashed fruit★ Small, dry cereal pieces★ Cubes of soft cheese

Satisfy thirst with water. Save juice for treats.

Breastfeeding Tips

Your 

kinds still hneed tyour emay byour bbaby wwill m

Help your baby learn about drinking from cup with a lid and spout. This helps babies You might want to put breast milk in the clearns to drink, put more breast milk in thYour baby is learning to feed himself. Thaand stressful. Avoid quarrels. Give your bahe will learn that mealtime is a social timfeeding.Sometimes your baby may want to play inhappens, let him sit on your lap. Read a stmay not be hungry. Or he may be bored wnursing satisfies both physical and emotiowhenever he needs a snack. Let him nursloving arms. To learn more about breastfeeding, you mhealth department, WIC clinic, hospital, Lcan call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECwww.lalecheleague.org/.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 21 

Choking Hazards for YStay close to your baby while he ea

can be prevented. Just make sure all food and watch that your baby doesn’t put too Some foods are more likely than others to young for foods that are hard, chunky or nfoods until your baby is three or four yeardanger of choking.Look for classes on infant cardiopulmonarfirst aid in your community. Or borrow a video store or public library. If your baby away. This is an emergency. Do what the ountil you are sure your baby is all right. 

Never feed your baby the following

★ Hot dogs★ Hard candy★ Peanuts or any nuts★ Grapes★ Cookies★ Meat chunks★ Raw carrot slices★ Peanut butter★ Apple chunks★ Popcorn

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 20 Your Nine-Month -Old

Protect Your Baby’s Teeth

Your baby probably has several teeth by

now. Baby teeth are important. They canaffect how the permanent teeth will grow.Your baby learns by watching you. Set agood example. Brush your teeth after everymeal. Avoid eating sugary foods. Go to thedentist for regular checkups.If you notice any white spots on yourbaby’s teeth, take him to a dentist. Whitespots may be a sign of decay. Regulardental care starts at age one. Emergencydental care can begin sooner. 

Here are some ways to protect your baby’s teeth:

★ If your baby needs a bottle to fall asleep, give him only water in a bottle

or a cup. Liquids other than water contain sugar. Feeding at bedtimemay leave sugar on teeth all night. Then sugar has more time to turninto decay

★ If you feed your baby formula, always hold him while feeding. Never

prop the bottle. 

★ If you use a pacifier, keep it clean. Don’t coat it with anything.★ Wipe your baby’s teeth and gums every night. Use a wet, clean, soft

washcloth.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 23 

Find ways to cope with stress. Here are so

★ Talk to friends and other parents. Sh

reduce stress.

★ Write down all the things that worry 

think more clearly. Work on one thin

★ Ask for help. Ask your partner to sho

relaxation exercises. Talk to a school 

★ Exercise. Take a walk. Push the baby 

the radio.

★ Nap when your baby does. Darken th

Play soft music.

★ Take a break. Ask someone you trust 

two. Go window-shopping at the mallibrary. Visit a friend

Quick stress busters 

★ Breathe deeply. Close your eyes.★ Tighten your muscles. Then relax the★ Stand up and stretch.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 22 Your Nine-Month -Old

Take Time for Yourself

Taking care of a baby often creates

stress. You may feel stressed withoutknowing it. Here are a few commonsymptoms:

★ Anxiety. You may worry about the baby,

your marriage, money, work or school.You may feel guilty for not doing better.

★ Confusion. You may forget things, like

where you put your keys. You may runlate. You may feel that you just can’thandle anything.

★ Anger. You may lose your temper easily. You may snap at people.★ Sleeplessness. You may not be able to sleep well at night. Or you may

have nightmares.

★ Fatigue. You may feel tired a lot. Or you may not feel like doing things

you normally enjoy. You may cry easily.

★ Physical problems. You may have neck or back pain, headaches or

stomach aches.

If any of this is happening to you, check with your doctor. Make sure thereis no other reason for you to feel as you do.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 25 

How Children GrowWhen parents are asked what they w

usually say they want children who

★ feel good about themselves;★ get along with others;★ have healthy, strong bodies;★ are smart and successful; and★ can talk about what they need and w

These answers match the ways children gdevelop emotional, social, physical, intelleThese skills help babies grow into well-baAll children grow and develop. But no two the same time. Each baby is unique. Each Each also has needs. If you have concerns talk to his doctor.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 24 Your Nine-Month -Old

When Someone Else Cares for Your Baby

All parents are a little nervous when

someone else cares for their baby. You mayhave asked an aunt to baby-sit for a fewhours. Or you may have your baby in astate-licensed program. Anytime someoneelse cares for your baby, help make it safe.Here are some ways. Give the caregiver a phone number whereyou can be reached. Give the name of yourbaby’s doctor. Write permission to getmedical help in an emergency.

Tell the caregiver about your baby’s likes and dislikes. For example, hedoesn’t like carrots. And he likes his “blankey” at naptime.Share your baby’s routine. For example, he usually wakes up at 5:30 a.m.That means he takes a nap about 9 a.m. He’s slow to wake up and needs afew quiet minutes before wanting to be with people.Maintain a business approach. If you pay for care—even if it’s your sister—be clear about what you expect. For example, you expect the caregiver tochange wet diapers right away and then wash her hands. Don’t takeadvantage of the arrangement. The caregiver expects you to pick up yourbaby at the time you have agreed upon.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 27 

The American Association of Poison Contrcontrol hotline, 1-800-222-1222, should bnumbers. To learn more, you can visit the www.aapcc.org/.Families who cannot afford a car safety seHighway Traffic Safety Administration. Thresources that help low-income families pYou may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or vwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/.To learn more about safety, you can call thCommission at 1-800-638-2772 or you can www.cpsc.gov/.For information on disabilities and disabilcan call the National Information Center Disabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-0285 owww.nichcy.org/.For information about programs that teacAmerica’s Literacy Directory at 1-800-228www.literacydirectory.org/.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 26 Your Nine-Month -Old

Information Resources for FamiliesFamilies who are enrolled in the WIC program (Special SupplementalNutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) can get informationon breastfeeding, formula feeding and nutrition at their local WIC office.Families eligible for WIC receive nutrition counseling and supplementalfoods such as baby formula, milk and cereal. To find the WIC office nearestyou, call your state health department or visit the WIC Web site atwww.fns.usda.gov/wic/.For information about early childhood education initiatives, you maycontact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visittheir Web site at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/teachingouryoungest/.To learn about child care options, you may contact the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, Child Care Aware by phone at 1-800-424-2246or visit their Web site at www.childcareaware.org/.For more information and resources on postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and many other women’s health issues call The NationalWomen’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). You can visit their Web site at www.4woman.gov/.To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.To learn more about free or low-cost health insurance for children, you cancall the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Insure Kids Now 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also visit their Web site atwww.insurekidsnow.gov/. 
This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. D

Education and Health and Human ServiceAuthorization to reproduce it in whole or permission to reprint this publication is nbe: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. DDepartment of Health and Human ServiceYour Nine-Month-Old, 

Washington, D.C., 

To order copies of this publication,

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 207or fax your request to: 301-470-1244;or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.edor call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433877 service is not yet available in your are(1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a teledeaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), shouor order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpuThis publication is available to download oWeb site at: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlalso be available in Spanish on the DepartDecember 2002.On request, this publication is available in Braille, large print, audiotape or computeplease contact the Department’s Alternate (202) 205-8113.

Coming Next Month

Guards Against Poisons

Growing Up with Plants

Fears and Tears

Guidance and Discipline

...and much more!