9 month old guide - Teenie Weenies

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9 month old guide

This month, your baby may be developing new tricks like the lobster claw "pincer grasp," and an entertaining routine with objects called "shake, bang, drop, and throw." And he may well say "mama," if he hasn't already. What's a great way for you two to engage? Play "peekaboo" with him in front of a mirror.

Your baby’s development

How to say "No" to your baby

This month your baby has a great need to explore — and that means touching, tasting, and throwing things. That makes this a good time to learn to gently tell your baby "no." And "no" doesn't have to be a negative — it's really just a boundary you're creating to help teach your baby limits and protect him from harm.

Here are some suggestions for offering balanced discipline:

Save it for important things, such as when your baby starts to play with something truly off-limits for safety reasons. Then say "no" firmly and remove him from the situation.
Respond immediately. The most effective discipline occurs when he is in the act of misbehaving. Try to take full advantage of the moment.
Quickly distract your baby when he does something he shouldn't do.
You may have to repeat "no" several times.
Be consistent. That way he'll begin to learn what he can and can't do.
Although it's difficult, try to be patient.
Reward his good behavior with praise and hugs.

A little condition called flat feet

Sometimes a baby's feet seem to be flat, and you may be worried. But your baby's feet appear flat because a pad of fat is hiding the arch. This condition is very common in infants, and is usually nothing to worry about. You'll probably be able to see an arch when the fat disappears, usually in two or three years.

In the meantime, check with your health care professional if you have questions about whether your child's feet and legs are developing normally. Most minor foot and leg conditions are outgrown during childhood.

The importance of teddy bears and blankies

Stuffed animals, toys, or blankies can be a big part of your baby's emotional support system. In your baby's psyche, these objects have the power to:

Comfort him when he's upset, afraid, or stressed.
Help him feel at ease in an unfamiliar place.
Reassure him when you're not there.
Help him get to sleep.

Using a transitional object is not a sign of insecurity — it actually shows that your baby has been loved and nurtured, and that he's able to comfort himself. This is important as he becomes more independent.

Your baby will want to take his cuddly everywhere and may prefer it unwashed, because it has his scent on it (which may be what's so comforting about it).