You might want to pause your baby right now because of their newfound mobility. Slow them down to enjoy this sweet time. Some babies are ready to walk by 9 months, while others prefer to move around more slowly. Most motor skills milestones are pretty wide-ranging, and some babies skip crawling entirely. All of this is normal. What else should you know about the health and development of your baby this month?
Baby milestones for 9-month old babies
Nutrition for 9-month old babies
Some (but certainly not all!) Around this age, 9-month olds begin to show less interest when it comes to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Breast milk or formula is still the best source of nutrition for your child, but they may start to be more curious about what you put on their plate. This is the perfect time to introduce some new family mealtime traditions. Bring the highchair to the dinner table and include the baby.
The AAP and La Leche League recommend the following feeding schedule and amounts for 9-month olds:
Solids: Offerned 2 times daily or at mealtimes with the family
Breast milk: 8 ounces per 4 to 5 hours
Formula: 7 to eight ounces every five to six hours
Solids are a must for your 9-month-old child! Serving sizes are recommended for 9-month-old babies:
Mix 5 to 8 teaspoons of infant cereal (single-grain) with breast milk or formula.
Fruits: 2 – 4 tablespoons
Vegetables: 2 – 4 tablespoons
2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded meat, eggs, yogurt, and plant-based protein, such as lentils.
Starches: 1/4 to half cup of simple carbohydrates, such as pasta or mashed potatoes.
Learn more about 9-month-old babies’ feeding schedule and expert advice
Playing with Food
Parents have been reprimanding their children for decades when they play with food at the dinner table. But recent research has shown that letting them play with food, without any pressure to eat it, can help them explore new flavors and textures in an environment free of stress. Since babies and children learn through play and can bring that concept to the table, it could be a game changer for many, especially for those who have sensory issues or food and texture aversions.
Playing with food at mealtimes helps babies become familiarized with new foods, especially. Simone Emery is a pediatric nutritionist with Little Bellies and a natural nutrition advocate. She tells Motherly that letting your child play with food will increase their curiosity. She says that food is less surprising if we first play with it.
Emery says that you should wait until the exploratory period is over to clean up those hands or wipe down that adorable chin. Emery says that allowing the child to eat, play and learn while you do so is less stressful. It also encourages learning, and establishes a positive relationship with food. Playfully help them smash those blueberries in their fists or stack cucumber slices. If you’re planning on playing with food, a wipeable floor mat could come in handy. ).
Please do not let your children play with their food
Weight of 9-month old baby
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) charts for weight and height are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The WHO growth chart for babies aged 0-2 years is based on the standard of a breastfed infant. The WHO growth charts, according to the organization reflect the growth patterns of children who have been exclusively breastfed for atleast 4 months and are still breastfeeding 12 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers and babies continue to breastfeed at least for two years.
How much weight does the average 9 month old baby weigh?
The rate of weight gain should be the same each month as it was in their first six-months. However, this has slowed significantly. By the time they reach their first birthday, their weight should have generally tripled.
WHO:
A 9-month old baby boy who is in the 50th per centile weighs 19.9 kilograms.
A 9-month old baby girl who is in the 50th per centile weighs 18.2 pounds and 2 ounces.
What factors affect a baby’s weight at 9 months?
The weight of your baby may depend on how much it eats, its assigned sex or activity level.
At birth, male babies gain weight and are slightly heavier than female babies.
Your baby’s weight is affected by the amount of food they consume each day. At 9 months, many babies are still nursing or drinking formula four to six times a day.
Activity level: Your baby is working to gain more weight on their legs in preparation for walking. The baby’s overall weight may be affected by their activity level, since physical activity builds strong muscles and bone.
Related: Activities for 9-month olds: Promoting baby’s growth
Baby length 9 months old
You can expect to see your baby grow slower than previous months but still gain another half inch to 3/4 inch (1 or 2 centimeters).
How old is the average 9 month-old baby?
WHO:
A 9-month old baby boy in 50th percentile measures 28 1/4 inches (72 cm).
A 9-month old baby girl in 50th percentile measures 27 1/2 inches (70.1 cm).
What factors affect the length of a baby 9 months old?
Genetics is the primary factor in determining your baby’s height or length. Children tend to be taller than their parents. The length of each month can also be affected by other factors such as physical activity, nutrition both during and after pregnancy, sleep, and general health. The movement that they are doing at this stage contributes to the strength of their bones and muscles.
When will my child start walking? Experts say there are many factors that can influence a baby’s ability to walk.
Growth charts and percentiles
Ask the pediatrician to show you your child’s growth chart at their 9-month check-up this month. Your child’s doctor will have carefully plotted their weight, height and head circumference at each visit. This allows you to compare your baby’s growth with other babies of the same age.
The two most important factors to consider when reading a growth chart are the percentiles, and the growth curve. Let’s say, for example, that your baby’s birth weight falls in the 70th per centile. This means that 30% babies of the age and gender are heavier, while 70% are lighter. Now that you’ve done several well-checks, there should be an overall growth curve, which connects all of the data. Here, doctors are looking for sustained growth in the long-term.
Weight-for-length charts for girls from birth to 24 months. Girls birth to 24 months, weight-for-length.WHO Growth Charts, courtesy of CDC. Weight-for-length for girls birth to 24 month.
Weight-for-length charts for boys from birth to 24 months, courtesy CDC. Boys birth to 24 months, weight-for-length.WHO Growth Charts, courtesy of CDC. Weight-for-length for boys from birth to 24 month.
Growth spurts
Some babies experience another growth spurt around the 9-month mark. This could be a change in mood, a sleep pattern or an increase in appetite. Growth spurts can last up to a full week, though they usually only last a few days. Don’t worry! They’ll pass soon.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s size?
Remember that the growth percentile is just one of many metrics used to monitor your baby’s progress. All babies develop at their own rate. You can trust that your baby is healthy, whether it’s in the 5th or 95th percentile. It’s important to know if your baby has been in the same percentile or if there’s been a significant jump or drop. Your doctor will let you know if they are concerned about the weight, height or growth of your baby at 9 months.
If you want to avoid this, focus on making sure your baby has regular wet or dirty diapers, eats and drinks normally, and meets their developmental milestones at 9 months. You should discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s growth with their pediatrician.
Sleeping 9-month old baby
Are you back to more quiet nights, mama? By now, you should have passed the sleep regression (progression), and your baby may not be waking up to eat in the night anymore. Around 9 months, parents report that their infant’s sleep is more stable and life with them feels easier.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), babies under 1 year old should sleep 12-16 hours per day. This means that your baby still needs a lot of sleep. Consider asking your pediatrician for advice if your baby is having trouble sleeping. You will get more sleep if your baby gets more restful sleep.
How a baby sleeps at nine months.
You may find that your baby takes 2 or 3 naps a day
You may find that your baby is no longer waking up to eat in the night.
Your baby can be awake from 2 to 3 hours a day
Your 9-month old might be ready for a switch from three to four shorter naps to two naps per day. This can sometimes help with better sleep at night.
How can you tell? If your baby is showing consistent and strong signs of readiness, then they may be ready to transition to two naps. This is explained by Rachel Mitchell, sleep consultant and founder at My Sweet Sleeper.
Some signs that your baby may be ready to stop napping include:
The third nap must be rejected for two weeks in a row.
The first two naps are not enough to meet their sleep requirements, so the third nap is too late
Early morning or sudden night awakenings
It may be time for you to take just one nap in the morning and one in the afternoon if you are experiencing any of these signs.
Learn more about how much sleep a baby needs at 9 months.
Diapering for a 9-month old
Talking about poop, your baby’s stool at 9 months old should still be soft and paste-like but somewhat formed. You may notice small changes in their stool from one day to the next depending on what they’ve eaten recently (beets can turn it reddish). Normal stools can range from yellow to brown. It’s normal for babies to poop once a day at this age, but there is no need to worry if it happens less often. Constipation can be indicated by solid or pelleted stool. Just to be sure, check with your pediatrician.
How to care for a nine-month-old
This month your growing baby will have a check-up with the doctor. It’s an excellent time to ask any questions that aren’t urgent. What you need to know about baths for your baby.
Baths
This month, if you haven’t yet graduated your child to a full-size tub, it could be a good time. If you haven’t done so yet, place their baby tub inside the large tub. After a few baths and once they are used to it, remove the tub. Bathtime in the large tub is only an option for your child if they can sit up without assistance. Even then, you’ll need to supervise them constantly in the water. So, gather all your supplies before. If you have to leave the bathroom, wrap baby in a bath towel and take them with you.
Dropping a feed
It can be difficult to know when you should stop a nighttime or daytime feeding. If your baby’s nap schedule is closely tied to his or her feeding schedule, dropping a nap can have bigger repercussions. You can replace a midday feeding with a solid food lunch for your baby. Distraction is the best way to stop a 9-month old from eating. Take your baby for a stroll or do some extra playtime during feeding time.
Check if your child is hungry before you stop the night feeding. They may be trying to make up for calories they missed during the day. Or they might just need some soothing. Mitchell suggests that you wait 5 minutes before picking up your baby to see if he or she will settle themselves. If not, you can try other methods of soothing your child, like using a pacifier or rubbing their head/back. “Always soothe your baby in their crib before picking them up.”
Safety
This month, your baby will likely be moving around in some way. This means that taking your eye off them can be a danger (as if you needed yet another thing to worry! ).
If you can, move diaper changes and similar tasks (like getting them dressed) onto the floor. This will reduce the chance that they get injured if they roll while you are reaching for the diaper cream. There’s not much you can prevent bumps and bruises at this age. Being extra vigilant is important when your child is so intent on crawling and scooting at every opportunity.
Motherly’s note on self-care when caring for a nine-month-old
It can be exhausting to spend all your energy on the growth and development of your baby, let alone caring for a newborn. Don’t forget your own needs or downtime. Ask for help if you are consistently putting your own needs last. According to research, babies and children whose parents limit their stress are less likely than others to experience developmental delays. Mama, there are people who care about you and want to help. You may just need to ask. If you are really struggling, talk to your primary healthcare provider about mental health care, including medication, therapy, or a combination. There are resources available for postpartum depression, which can occur anytime within the first year of childbirth.