Developmental milestones: what most babies can do by 9 months
Mark the skills your child already has. These are things most babies (75% or more) can do by 9 months. If one is not there yet, it is a reason to talk to a specialist, not a reason to worry.
A checklist for parents — a guide, not a screening test or a diagnosis.
Social/Emotional
- Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
- Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
- Looks when you call her name
- Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
- Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Language/Communication
- Makes a lot of different sounds like "mamamama" and "bababababa"
- Lifts arms up to be picked up
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
- Bangs two things together
Movement/Physical Development
- Gets to a sitting position by herself
- Moves things from one hand to her other hand
- Uses fingers to "rake" food towards himself
- Sits without support
What you can do now
- Repeat your baby's sounds and say simple words using those sounds. For example, if your baby says "bababa," repeat "bababa," then say "book."
- Place toys on the ground or on a play mat a little out of reach and encourage your baby to crawl, scoot, or roll to get them. Celebrate when she reaches them.
- Teach your baby to wave "bye-bye" or shake his head "no." For example, wave and say "bye-bye" when you are leaving. You can also teach simple baby sign language to help your baby tell you what he wants before he can use words.
When to talk to a specialist
Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor or a specialist and share the checklist.
Sources
The milestones and tips are from CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), revised in 2022 together with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Source: CDC. The original is available free of charge on the CDC website. CDC does not endorse SOPBG.org.