9 months Baby Milestone Moments
Age: 9 months
About This Stage
At nine months, your baby is becoming more mobile, expressive, and curious about the world. This is a time of exploration, play, and growing independence. Each baby develops differently, but these are typical milestones for this age.
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby is developing social awareness and emotional connections.
- •May be afraid of strangers and clingy with familiar adults
- •Has favorite toys and people
- •Understands when you show different emotions and responds to them
- •Enjoys playtime that involves interaction, like peek-a-boo
Language and Communication
Your baby is learning to communicate and understand language.
- •Understands "no" (though may not always follow it!)
- •Makes many different sounds like "mamama" and "bababa"
- •Copies gestures and sounds you make
- •Points or makes noises to get your attention
Cognitive Development
(Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)
Your baby is learning about the world through exploration and discovery.
- •Watches the path of something as it falls
- •Looks for things they see you hide (object permanence)
- •Plays peek-a-boo and similar games that involve anticipation
- •Transfers objects smoothly from one hand to the other
- •Uses fingers to rake small objects toward themselves
Movement and Physical Development
Your baby is gaining strength, coordination, and motor skills.
- •Crawls or scoots to move around
- •Stands while holding on to furniture or hands
- •Can get into a sitting position on their own
- •Sits without support and reaches for toys without falling
- •Pulls to stand and may start to cruise along furniture
Supporting Your Baby's Healthy Growth and Connection
- •Talk, sing, and read to your baby every day—use different tones, expressions, and gestures to keep it engaging.
- •Encourage safe exploration by baby-proofing your home and giving space to move.
- •Provide toys that encourage movement and curiosity, like soft balls or stacking cups.
- •Play interactive games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake to help your baby understand social turn-taking.
- •Respond positively when your baby makes sounds, gestures, or eye contact—this helps build trust and communication skills.
- •Offer comfort and affection often to help your baby feel safe and confident.
- •Keep mealtime consistent and introduce soft finger foods as recommended by your pediatrician.
- •Maintain a predictable daily routine with time for rest, play, and bonding.
- •Limit screens and focus on real-world interaction—your baby learns best through your attention and voice.
- •Always supervise your baby during play and keep their environment safe for crawling and exploring.
Shop Age-Appropriate Toys
Find toys that support the developmental milestones your child is reaching
6 Months - 1 Year Toys
Discover toys that support early development and exploration
Choose toys that match your child's developmental stage for the best learning experience
Every Baby Develops at Their Own Pace
These milestones are general guidelines. If you have concerns about your baby's development, talk with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized guidance and support for your family.