Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 9 months.

Your baby this month

By 9 months, most babies can get into a sitting position by themselves.

Most babies this age babble strings of sounds like 'mamamama'.

You this month

Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface. This lowers the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Simple play like stacking cups, board books, and peekaboo all suit this age.

Your baby at 11 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 9 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Bangs two things togetherCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Makes different sounds like "mamamama" and "babababa"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Lifts arms up to be picked upCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Gets to a sitting position by herselfCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Moves things from one hand to her other handCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses fingers to "rake" food towards himselfCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Sits without supportCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangersCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprisedCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks when you call her nameCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-booCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Mashed & lumpy textures — Progress to mashed/lumpy foods and soft finger foods. Offer variety: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, iron-rich foods.
  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Avoid honey before 12 months — risk of infant botulism. — AVOID <12 months
  • Do not give cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months (poor iron, renal load). — AVOID as main drink <12 months
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months
  • Avoid added salt and sugar in the first year. — AVOID first year
  • Finger foods & self-feeding — Encourage self-feeding with soft finger foods. Family foods (chopped, no added salt/sugar).

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Safe sleep: place baby on the BACK on a firm flat surface; no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets (reduces SIDS)., Car seat: rear-facing in the back seat., Choking: keep small objects and small/round foods away; supervise feeding., Water: never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment., No baby walkers (fall/injury risk); supervise tummy time.

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 12-16

Part of Baby's first year.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • Eating family meals (modified texture)Source: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Self-feeding with spoon (messy but encouraged)Source: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Cup drinking improvingSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • 3 meals + 2 snacks + breastmilkSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Introduce new flavors regularlySource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • 12-14 hours. May transition to 1 nap.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Start using cultural toys and booksSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)