Milestones are important indicators of a child's overall development, and tracking them can help parents and healthcare providers identify any potential developmental delays early on. At ACES ABA, we support families by spotting developmental delays and offering guidance through our early infant intervention services. Contact us today if you notice your child is not meeting these milestones at nine months old.

Cognitive and Adaptive Milestones

Nine-month-old babies can watch the path of something as it falls and can look for things they see you hide. They can move items smoothly from one hand to the other and pick up small items between the thumb and index finger. Memory and recall also become more advanced at this age, with babies able to play peek-a-boo and recognize familiar faces, places, and objects.

Language and Communication Milestones

Babbling and imitating sounds becomes more complex at this age, with babies beginning to string together vowels and consonants like “mamamama” and “bababababa”. They can usually understand “no” and respond when their name is called. They will often copy the sounds and gestures of others like waving or pointing.

Movement Milestones

By nine months, babies can have the strength and coordination necessary to begin crawling and scooting. They may also begin pulling up to stand and cruising along furniture. Babies at this age are eager to explore the world around them, using their hands and feet to touch, grab, and examine objects.

Social and Emotional Milestones

Around seven to nine months, babies begin to have more opinions, such as having a favorite toy. They may also experience separation anxiety when separated from their primary caregiver or become fearful of unfamiliar people or situations. Babies at this age become more aware of their surroundings and may display stranger awareness.Tracking developmental milestones is an important part of ensuring a child's healthy development. If you have concerns about your baby's development, contact the experts at ACES ABA and we can provide any necessary interventions or support.