Developmental milestones record - 9 months
Definition
At 9 months, a typical infant will demonstrate certain skills and growth markers known as milestones.
Alternative Names
Growth milestones for children - 9 months; Childhood growth milestones - 9 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 9 months
Information
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR SKILLS
A 9 month old generally has reached the following milestones:
- Gains weight at a slower rate -- approximately 15 grams per day, 1 pound per month
- Increases in length by 1.5 centimeters per month
- Becomes more regulated in bowel and bladder systems
- Shows parachute reflex to protect self from falling
- Is able to crawl
- Remains sitting for prolonged periods
- Pulls self to standing position
- Has a pincer grasp between thumb and index finger
- Feeds self
- Throws or shakes objects
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
The 9 month old typically:
- Is developing depth perception
- Achieves "object constancy", the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen
- Responds to simple commands
- Responds to name
- Understands the meaning of "no"
- Imitates speech sounds
- May be afraid of being left alone
- Plays interactive games
PLAY
To aid the development of the 9 month old:
- Provide picture books
- Provide different stimuli:
- Go to the mall (people)
- Go to the zoo (animals)
- Play ball
- Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment
- Teach hot and cold through play
- Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking
Review Date:
12/4/2006
Reviewed By:
Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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