While continuing to give 3 to 5 feedings of breast milk or an iron fortified infant formula (24 to 32 ounces) and 4 or more tablespoons of cereal, vegetables and fruit one or two times each day, you can usually start to give more protein containing foods, soft table foods, and finger foods.
Your nine-month-old will now begin to explore how things work, enjoy playing peekaboo and pat-a-cake and being read to. It is important to give lots of praise and many opportunities for exploration.
He may also begin to show separation anxiety and stranger anxiety.
What You Need To Know About Your Nine-Month-Old Infant
- Continue to use a rear-facing infant or convertible car seat, and place in the back seat until your baby is 12 months old and 20 lbs, and never place your baby in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag. Even if your baby reaches 20 pounds before a year, he should still face backwards!
- To prevent choking, never leave small objects or plastic bags in your baby's reach.
- Falling televisions hazard: learn more about the 'hidden hazard' of kids getting injured from televisions falling on top of them and how to secure your furniture and TV so that your kids are safe.
- Learn if you need a carbon monoxide detector in your home to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- At the nine-month checkup, you can expect a complete physical exam, a review of feeding and sleep schedules, measurement of your child's height, weight and head circumference, and immunizations, including HepB if the third dose was not given already. Screening tests, including a blood level to check for anemia and screening questionaire for lead poisoning risk, will also likely be done.
Common Infant Problems
Nine-Month-Old Infant Topics
- Your Nine-Month-Old
- Infant Well Child Checklist
- Finger Foods
- Infants, Yogurt, and Milk
- Vitamin D Update
- Breastfeeding Goals
- Fruit Juice
- Nursing Strikes and Early Weaning
- Early Signs of Autism
- When Can You Stop Burping Your Baby?
- Baby Walkers - Are they safe?
- Home Safety Quiz
- What safety seat to use for a big baby or toddler?
- How do I protect my kids from lead poisoning?
- Safety
- Parenting: Babies & Toddlers
- Best Infant Products
