Physical Development (Gross & Fine Motor)
By 9 months, babies can do this without support.
What is sit independently?
At 9 months, babies begin to look for objects that are out of sight, showing this concept.
What is object permanence?
Babies may understand this simple word or command at 9 months.
What is “no”?
Babies may show fear of strangers, also called this.
What is stranger anxiety?
Parents support motor development by providing a safe environment for these activities.
What is supervised tummy time, crawling, and standing with support?
This crawling method is common at 9 months.
What is crawling on hands and knee or scooting on the belly?
Babies explore objects by doing these actions (shake, bang, throw).
What is intentional exploration?
This type of early speech sound combines consonants like “ba” and “da.”
What is babbling?
This interactive game helps social development and teaches object permanence.
What is peek-a-boo?
Parents encourage cognitive and language development by doing this with their baby.
What is talking, reading, singing, and interactive play?
Babies can pull themselves up to do this while holding furniture.
What is standing?
This milestone shows problem-solving as babies try to manipulate objects correctly, like using a cup.
What is using objects appropriately?
Babies often respond to this by turning their head or looking toward the source.
What is their name being called?
Babies may show distress when separated from a primary caregiver, demonstrating this type of attachment.
What is secure attachment?
Anticipatory guidance for 9 months includes advising parents to baby-proof the home and prevent this.
What are falls, choking, and injury hazards?
This grasp involves using the thumb and finger to pick up small objects.
What is the pincer grasp?
Babies can find this type of hidden object, showing developing spatial awareness.
What is partially hidden objects?
Using vocalizations and sounds to communicate needs before words is part of this skill.
What is preverbal communication?
At 9 months, babies may show preference for these.
What are familiar people and toys?
If a baby shows delayed milestones or warning signs, parents should follow this step.
What is contact a pediatrician or developmental specialist?
A baby may take these while holding furniture, a precursor to independent walking.
What are cruising steps?
Failure to achieve expected cognitive skills at this age may indicate a developmental delay in this domain.
What is cognitive development delay?
Lack of babbling or communication attempts by 9 months may indicate a delay in this domain.
What is language development delay?
Failure to show social engagement may indicate developmental delay or early signs of this concern.
What is social/emotional delay or possible neglect?
Parents may report suspected maltreatment; this is a required professional action in the plan of care.
What is mandatory reporting and referral for protection/intervention?