General
Information for a 9 Month Old Baby:
Sleeping
–
Most babies sleep through the night by this age. Although
there are no rules, often babies outgrow their morning nap by
the end of their first year.
Teething
- Expect your child to be teething, though some babies will
not teeth until 15 months. Drooling is common. Fever is unusual.
Use teething rings, frozen wet wash cloths and over the counter
analgesics. Topical analgesics used for teething can be very dangerous
if used in excess.
Development
-
Nine month old babes can sit up unassisted. Shuffling toys
from one hand to another is also universal by this age. Most can
crawl (at least backwards if not forwards). At this age most babies
are learning to say mama and dada, and cruise around tables or
stationary play stations. Most can finger feed. Stranger anxiety
is normal.
Diet
-
Most diets are quickly expanding at this age. Be careful as some
babies teeth slower than others, and therefore, should not have
their diets advanced as fast as others. Be sure to introduce baby
cups to your baby. Continue to breast feed as long as possible,
but remember that whole cow’s milk is to be avoided until age
1. Start to wean the bottle and introduce a spoon.
Safety
(Choking) -
This is the age everything goes into your baby's mouth. Watch
out for small objects, toys or pieces of food. Be careful of what
your older child is sharing with your baby.
Syrup of Ipecac –
It should be available in your home (But should only be given
as directed by the Poison Control Center). The phone number for
the local Poison Control Center is 202-625-3333.
Kitchen
-
Be careful not to allow your child to touch a hot oven or
stove. A child may pull down a tablecloth spilling hot food or
liquids.
Car
seats -
Rear facing car seats should be used in one of the rear seats
until your baby reaches 20lbs. Forward facing car seats can be
used for children over 20lbs.
General
-
Place gates to keep your child away from stairs. Use gates
that are attached with screws at the top of staircases. Also,
put all curtain cords and appliance cords out of reach. Watch
out for bookshelves or furniture that can tip over; your child
will start climbing before you know it. Unload and lock up guns.
Make sure upper story windows are secured. Never put a poisonous
substance into a soda can, or a glass that a toddler may mistakenly
drink.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis
B-Prevents most common cause of serious hepatitis
BACK.
