What milestones are typical at 9 months?

Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy) Bangs two things together Makes different sounds like "mamamama" and "babababa" Lifts arms up to be picked up Gets to a sitting position by herself Moves things from one hand to her other hand These are a guide, not a test — babies reach them at different times.

What should my baby be eating at 9 months?

Progress to mashed/lumpy foods and soft finger foods. Offer variety: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, iron-rich foods. modify texture <4 years AVOID <12 months

Your baby at 9 months: milestones, feeding & growth

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.