Childhood growth milestones - 9 months

Alternative names 
Growth milestones for children - 9 months; Developmental milestones record - 9 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 9 months

Definition
This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 9 month-old infants.

Information

A 9 month-old generally has reached the following milestones.

Physical characteristics and motor skills:

     
  • Weight gain slows down to approximately 15 grams per day, 1 pound per month  
  • Length should increase by 1.5 centimeters per month  
  • Bowel and bladder systems become more regulated  
  • Parachute reflex to protect self from falling  
  • Has the ability to crawl  
  • Can remain sitting for prolonged periods  
  • May pull self to standing position  
  • Begins preference for dominant hand  
  • Has a pincer grasp between thumb and index finger

Sensory and cognitive:

     
  • Development of depth perception  
  • Achieve “object constancy”, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen  
  • Can respond to simple commands  
  • Understands the meaning of no  
  • Imitates speech sounds  
  • May be afraid of being left alone

Play:

     
  • Provide picture books  
  • Provide different stimuli:       o Go to the mall (people)       o Go to the zoo (animals)  
  • Play ball  
  • Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment  
  • Teach hot and cold through play  
  • Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking

 

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 8, 2012
by Brenda A. Kuper, M.D.

Medical Encyclopedia

  A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0-9

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.