Well Check-Up / 9 Months
FEEDING
At this age, most babies continue to nurse 2-4 times a day or take approximately 24 oz. of formula a day, along with 2-3 meals per day. Soft or pureed foods including fruits, vegetables, iron-fortified infant cereals, beans, fish, meat, eggs, whole grain bread or pasta are all good choices. Although cow’s milk is not recommended yet, babies can have cheese and yogurt. Many babies will begin to pick up finger foods on their own. Continue to offer regular exposure to peanut products at least twice weekly and other allergenic foods including tree nut products and eggs. Babies this age should not be given honey, juice and sweet liquids (including soda, tea, lemonade), very salty or processed foods, and anything very hard or crunchy that requires much chewing and is a choking risk.
SLEEPING
Most babies at this age will still take 2 naps a day and will sleep all night for as long as 12 hours. Some babies will begin to have some separation anxiety during this period that makes going to sleep or staying asleep more difficult. Develop a regular bedtime routine with the same activities at the same time each evening before bed. Try not to rock or hold your baby until he or she is fully asleep each night, as babies need to learn to put themselves to sleep. If your baby begins often to wake herself up in the night and cry for you, use the same techniques to help her put herself back to sleep. Babies should still sleep in baby beds with firm mattresses, and it is not safe to have pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or toys in baby beds.
FEVER/ILLNESS
Fever more than 101 degrees signals an illness in your baby, although this is not automatically an emergency. If your baby is still having fever after more than 3 days, is not perky or somewhat playful when the fever is down, is not taking liquids or making wet diapers, or is having any difficulty breathing, you should call the office.
DEVELOPMENT
Crawling is usually mastered sometime between 7 and 10 months, although some babies will skip crawling all together. Cruising (or walking along a table or other furniture) and starting to stand without holding on to anything is also common. Most babies take their first steps and walk alone between 9 and 16 months. Many 9-month-olds play peek-a-boo, wave bye-bye, bang two toys together, and use their fingers and thumbs to pick up small objects. You can help your baby’s development by varying the environment and presenting him with new and different items to explore, including safe items (such as wooden spoons and Tupperware) in low drawers and cabinets. Reading, singing, and pointing to and naming objects also greatly contribute to brain and language development at this age.
SAFETY
Your baby still needs to ride facing backwards in his car seat until he is 2 years old. If your baby has outgrown his infant carrier seat, an upright backwards-facing seat is important. Avoid baby walkers, as they are associated each year with thousands of injuries when they tip over, and they may delay a baby’s learning to walk. A better choice is a stationary “Exersaucer” or a push toy. Make sure that all drawers and cabinets are childproofed, with all dangerous items removed and safety latches used where necessary. Do not leave babies unattended near water, including bathtubs and toilets. Keep small items that baby might put in his mouth off of the floor. Use gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls and at the entrance of rooms with furniture or other items that might be dangerous if baby crawled or climbed on them. Do not leave containers of hot liquids or foods near the edge of a table or counter where baby might pull them off. Check smoke detectors regularly to assure they are working properly and have a fire escape plan ready in the event of an emergency.
If your child accidentally swallows something that might be dangerous (chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies, etc) call POISON CONTROL 1-800-222-1222.