What to know
View photos and videos of developmental milestones that most babies do by nine months of age. Milestones are listed by area of child development.
Social/Emotional
Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
The baby in this video is showing to be shy, clingy, or fearful when her mom passes her to a stranger and she is now crying and upset, a 9-month social/emotional milestone.
Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
Looks when you call her name
The baby in this video looks when her mom calls her name, a 9-month social/emotional milestone.
Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
The baby in this video reacts when her dad leaves, looking for him and crying, a 9-month social/emotional milestone.
Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Language/Communication
Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
The baby in this video is making lots of different sounds like "mamama", a 9-month language/communication milestone.
Lifts arms up to be picked up
The baby in this video lifts arms to be picked up by his mother, a 9-month language/communication milestone.
Cognitive
Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
The baby in this video drops a toy and looks for it when it is out of sight, a 9-month cognitive milestone.
Bangs two things together
The baby in this video is banging two things together, a 9-month cognitive milestone.
Movement/Physical
Gets to a sitting position by herself
The baby in this video gets to a sitting position by herself, a 9-month movement/physical development milestone.
Moves things from one hand to her other hand
Uses fingers to “rake” food towards himself
The baby in this video uses his finger to "rake" food toward himself, a 9-month movement/physical development milestone.
Sits without support
