9 to 12 months

What Should My Infant Be Doing?
6 to 9 Months

How Your Child Will Grow:

Things You Can Do:
Physical:

     Sits by self when placed; rolls from stomach to back and back to stomach; begins to creep on belly; may rock on knees
 - Help your baby to a sitting position- Place your baby in a play pen or blanket on the floor

- Give them safe areas

-“Child-proof” home (i.e. lock doors)
Hand Skills: 

    Reaches, holds, and puts objects in mouth; finger feeds (cereal); may transfer objects
 - Introduce finger foods (i.e. cereal)- Watch what they place in mouth
Language:

    Uses crying to show different needs (i.e. hunger, anger, discomfort)
 - Try to understand what your baby is crying about
Cognition:

    Knows strangers from family; cries when parent leaves
 - Talk to  your baby about what you are doing- Name objects and foods

- Expose baby to different sounds (noise making / musical toys)
Social:  Begins to play simple games; looks at person speaking; may respond to own name - Spend as much time touching, talking to, & playing with your baby- Let them say near you at all times

* Information obtained from the New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program

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