We continue talking about the different stages of the child in our Baby Calendar and it is the turn of the nine month baby. As the baby grows, it becomes more and more curious, becoming a real explorer after nine months.
At this age it is very likely that he will crawl around the house and even some babies already make attempts to stand up looking for support in a chair, a table or a toy. And even the most advanced may begin to take the first steps throughout this month, although they should not be forced to do so.
Parents should be especially attentive to the safety of the child at this stage. His eagerness to know the world around him is very beneficial for his development but it could be dangerous without taking the appropriate measures.
Let's see what are the general characteristics of nine month old babies.
Nine month baby feeding
In the diet of nine-month-old babies, most fruits, vegetables and vegetables have been introduced, as well as chicken, lamb, rabbit, turkey and veal.
Based on these foods, the little one will acquire new flavors depending on how we prepare the purees. Therefore, we should have a little imagination to combine food in a way that tastes a variety of flavors.
After nine months, if they don't feel bad, they can be introduced legumes such as lentils and rice.
Although some food introduction tables suggest starting with the egg (cooked yolk) and fish at nine months, there are those who recommend not offering potentially allergenic foods until 12 months.
For the rest, we should not add salt or sugar to food. Just a little olive oil to enrich the purees.
Whenever we offer them a new food we must do it one by one and in small quantities.
The key at this stage is for children to experiment with the different textures of food. You can start shred them less so that the child feels some pieces in the mash, or cut the potatoes and carrots into small pieces.
You can now take a piece of bread, a piece of fruit or a cookie that you can suck until it is undone. There are some anti-choking nets where we can put apple or banana pieces so that the baby can eat them without the risk of passing a piece too large.
Sleep in nine month old babies
Baby still does not have a standardized sleep pattern. The same sleeps the pull all night he wakes several times, what we must maintain is a prior routine before bedtime. Bathing, massage, food and a song, for example, will help the baby relax and sleep better.
It is still usual and completely normal for the baby to wake up at night. It is also very normal for a baby of this age to cost more than before falling asleep. At nine months the children become very curious to explore everything around them, so there will be days when it seems that the batteries do not run out.
Therefore, a bedtime routine along with the love and patience of dad and mom, are essential for a good rest.
Nine month baby development and skills
As we mentioned before, at this age the baby becomes a little explorer. He has acquired skills that allow him to investigate the world around him as:
It moves by itself, whether crawling, crawling or standing, seeking support in the hands of an adult or in furniture.
He is already able to pass objects from one hand to the other.
You can hold your back and sit without help. Some stand up with support.
Point things with your finger.
It claps.
Look for an object that has fallen to the ground.
He is able to find a toy that has been hidden under a handkerchief.
Play to hide with your hands or covering yourself with a piece of cloth. He covers his eyes and plays hide.
It emits and imitates sounds and screams to get attention. Some babies begin to pronounce certain words like dad, mom, water, etc.
Some babies recognize their name.
You may be able to pick up small things by making a "pincer" with your thumb and forefinger.
Sociability in the nine-month-old baby
The baby becomes more and more sociable, interacting more actively with the people around him. He loves to play with adults, imitate them and laugh with them.
At nine months the baby's temperament is quite defined. We can already know if it is a shy, energetic or calm baby, however experiences will greatly influence your character.
Babies' social abilities are developing, but they still do not approach other children to play. His social reference is adults, and especially his mother, with whom there is a very strong relationship.
That is why in this stage of growth (around eight or nine months) we talk about the anguish of separation, because on the one hand the baby begins to discover the world around him, but on the other the center of his world , his main reference is still his mother and when he separates from her he feels anguish.
Home security
It is a very special age because the baby is already able to move only at high speed, and some even begin to stand up for support. Therefore, in addition to the precautions we have taken when it began to crawl, now we must exercise security at home.
We have to keep in mind that when you stand up you reach things that are at your height and that you can also open and close doors and drawers. In his attempts to stand up he can throw things that are in height or hit himself with the corner of a table.
For all these potential hazards, it is very important that we implement all safety measures to avoid accidents.
Cover plugs, put bumpers in the corners, doors on the stairs (if we did not have them), put valuable ornaments on high and the same with cleaning supplies because its color can attract the attention of the baby.
Photos | Flickr - mil8
