Resources
Minus/plus icon
ResourcesExplore the full ACKO experience and make the most of your plan

Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Parenting / Baby Development Tips / 5 Effective Tips to take proper care of your 9-month-old baby

5 Effective Tips to take proper care of your 9-month-old baby

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Your baby is now 9 months old and is discovering and exploring the world around him. Your baby will be trying to stand up holding the furniture at home and putting small steps to walk.

Contents

icon
seo_non_core_app_qr

You will also notice that your baby is developing emotions and understanding humor and responds happily. He will love to mimic your actions and sounds and try to grab your attention. He will also become more skillful in asserting his own wants and desires. Your role as a parent isto enjoy your baby’s learning process, improvise his skills, praise his efforts and have fun.

Try to expose your baby to different age groups so they can learn about human diversity.

Few pointers:

Feeding:

Ensure you give your baby at least 3 solid small meals for additional nutrients and energy. Full fat dairy products have to be given additionally to improve their growth. Include a variety of foods like baby cereal, different fruits, and vegetables, all types of greens, non-spicy lentils, pulses, eggs, etc.

Give your baby finger foods like carrot, bananas, toast, crackers, etc. Always give him small portions of food. Allow him to feed himself at the dinner table. Give food in colorful bowl and spoons. Always be careful to ensure he doesn’t pick up anything unsafe. Set a routine for his feeds. Introduce only one new food at a time to your baby, adjusting your baby’s taste and preference while keeping a check for any allergies.

Teething:

Usually, a child’s first tooth comes between 4-8 months. During this time your child might get a mild temperature. Teething also causes rubbing ofears, rashes on face, there is a decrease in appetite, biting, sucking, drooling and wakefulness in babies, so notice for these signs. Avoid too much sugar and processed food to your baby now. Do not give bottles of juice or milk in bed. During the day give him a sipper cup for drinking. After meals and before bedtime, try to keep the teeth clean. Ensure that you know what he’s putting into his mouth and that it's safe and clean.

Sleeping:

His sleeping patterns will also change though he still needs afternoon naps. Let him get his naps, since sleep helps in keeping your baby healthy and relaxed.

Communication:

Your baby will now keep chatting. Encourage his chatter by responding with enthusiasm and listen attentively. Always remember, he will understand everything you say but might not show. He will also use gestures and actions when heis talking to you. Get your baby involved in the family conversations, during dinner time, play-time, etc.

Your baby will use and show special affection for significant people like you, his father or grandparents. Simple nursery rhymes, reading small books, singing, games also help your child in developing communication and building early language skills. Role play about day to day activities with your baby.

Playing and Interaction:

• Enjoy playing with your baby. Your baby will become possessive about his own toys. Now is a good time to introduce “turn-taking"/sharing qualities to your baby. Let him choose a toy to play and when it's your turn he gives the toy to you. Your baby will learn to share and not become adamant.

• Your baby will enjoy humor and laughter. Play tickling games and enjoy your baby giggle.

• You can introduce lego building blocks, shape sorters, etc to your baby, these are problem-solving toys where your baby will think andplay. The different color and texture, noise and shape will attract your little one toan object while you teach your baby.

• You can also hide your baby’s toys and see his reaction, let him find it, praise his efforts.

• Growth You will notice your baby making loud sounds now trying to get your attention. He will pull himself up and try to stand on his own. He will start calling you mama clearly. He will be aware of actions and its meaning like a “yes” is a definite yes or “no” means he doesn’t want it.

So, if you do not want to give him something, say "no" calmly and firmly and either take away the item from him or remove him from the situation. Try to comfort your baby by using a soothing voice and being gentle with him even ifhe cries. If you give in to his crying now, he will be doing it more!

Keep an eye onhow your baby responds when he hears a sudden loud noise, look if his eyes move equally and he can focus on the object. These are part of the basic development and if you feel your baby isn’t responding enough, highlight it to the doctor.

Early assessment and treatment of issues is always better.

Emotions :

By now, your baby will be able to express his emotions, if he is happy or sad. You will notice your baby clinging to you and will notice him being cranky when you are not in front of him. This attachment is actually a sign of maturity, where your baby has realized you and daddy are very special!

He will distinguish between his very close special ones and the outsiders. This will be for a while where your baby sticks to you everywhere. As much as you enjoy the attention, you have to also ensure your baby mingles with newcomers too. This will take time, so do not hurry.

Never sneak away from him without telling him goodbye as he will miss you dearly and cause a tantrum. When you must go out, ensure you leave him in the arms of his grandparents or the primary caretaker so he feels safe. While doing so, your baby will miss you but he would know that you will come back.

Babies will use smiling and crying often to indicate their feelings. He will connect that if he cries when he is hungry, you will feed him, so understand your baby’s cues.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

icon

Want to post any comments?

icon

Maximize your advantages with our government scheme-inclusive health insurance plans.

✅ 100% Room Rent Covered* ✅ Zero deductions at claims ✅ 7100+ Cashless Hospitals

quote icon

Check health insurance

quote icon