Everything you need to know about your nine-month-old!

According to WHO growth charts, as they approach ten-months-old a baby girl typically weighs around 18.7 pounds, while boys are a little heavier at about 20.2 pounds. In terms of length, girls measure about 28.1 inches and baby boys are slightly taller at approximately 28.9 inches.

It's important to note that these numbers are averages and every child is unique. Some babies might be a little smaller or larger than these statistics and that's perfectly normal. Remember that these measurements are just one way to track your baby's growth and health.

While it might seem like you can’t keep up with how fast your little one is growing (and growing out of clothes!), their growth rate will start to slow down a bit when your baby reaches ten months olds. They've been on a journey of rapid development since birth, but now things are steadying out a bit.  

Your little one is becoming much more mobile and active, meaning those adorable baby rolls might disappear as they become lean and toned. Don't worry if you start to see a decrease in baby fat; it's a sign that they're becoming stronger and more agile. Although, I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you about them getting faster and stronger! 

One of the most exciting things you might spot this month is how your baby begins to mimic your actions. They’ve been watching you closely and become aware of what you do daily. Whether brushing their hair with a tiny brush, coughing after you do, holding a toy phone to their ear, or even pretending to read a book. You might spot your little one imitating common action this month and it’s adorable to see.  

Still, while they’re curious to take in everything around them, your little one’s curiosity can easily lead to a lot of distraction. 

Noises from around the house, the chirping of birds outside, or even the clinking of cutlery can divert their attention. Their brains are still learning to filter out unnecessary stimuli, so don't be surprised if your baby's attention drifts quickly.

Holding Your Little One's Attention

To help your little one stay focused on specific activities, consider limiting distractions in their environment. Create a calm and quiet space when needed, especially during feeding or playtime. This can help keep them engaged and allow them to concentrate on the task at hand.

When you notice your baby attempting to name something, even if they don't quite get the pronunciation right, be sure to offer plenty of encouragement. Let them know they're on the right track and repeat the word for them a few times, pointing at it. This positive reinforcement helps boost their confidence and builds a stronger connection between the words they hear and the objects or concepts they represent.

If you’re looking for some new books for your little one this month, head here for the best books for baby development.         

Waving Goodbye and Blowing Kisses

One of the most heartwarming moments you might experience this month is your baby waving goodbye or blowing kisses to others. These gestures are very cute to see, demonstrating a growing sense of social awareness in your little one. 

Encourage these new behaviours by waving back and blowing kisses in return. Although we’re sure you don’t need convincing to do that. Make sure to add an extra ten minutes onto every journey if you’re leaving your little one as you wave and say goodbye to each other a hundred times.

Separation Anxiety

To ease separation anxiety, try these strategies:

• Practise short separations and gradually extend the time away.
• Reassure your baby by maintaining a consistent routine.
• Leave them with a trusted caregiver or family member who they know well.
• Offer comfort items like a favourite toy or blanket.

In this month of your baby's life, you'll witness some exciting motor skill development. From plenty of crawling adventures to possibly showing signs of taking their first tiny steps towards independence, your baby is on the move more and more each day!

Another exciting development that might happen during this month is your baby's attempt to pull up on furniture. This might have already happened, but if not, there’s a good chance that this month could see them trying or wanting to this month.

There’s no telling what they’ll pull themselves up on first. They may use the sofa, coffee table, or any other sturdy object they can find as a helping hand. They’re pretty inventive with how they get themselves up and about! 

Once they’re up, don’t be surprised if they start slowly stepping themselves along, holding onto the furniture. This is called ‘cruising’ and is an important step towards independent walking. But keep in mind that even when supported, their cruising can be a tad wobbly! So keep a watchful eye and provide support as needed to prevent any tumbles.         

Most babies are in a pretty consistent sleep routine around this stage. At this age, most sleep for about 11 hours at night and many bless their parents with the ability to sleep straight through. However, every baby is unique, so don't be disheartened if your little one occasionally wakes up in the night; it's perfectly normal.

To promote a healthy nighttime sleep routine, maintain a consistent bedtime schedule. A warm bath, soothing songs, and a relaxing bedtime story can create a calming environment that signals to your baby that it's time to rest.

 Keep the room dimly lit and ensure the room temperature is comfortable, typically around 18-20°C. If your little one is struggling with distractions at night, try investing in a white sound machine to filter out the noises in your baby’s room.

Daytime Napping 

As well as this evening sleep, most babies this age take two daily naps, adding up to three to four hours of daytime sleep.

Aim for a consistent nap schedule, which helps regulate your baby's internal body clock. Typically, morning and afternoon naps work well, with a short morning nap and a longer afternoon nap. These naps not only recharge your baby's energy but also provide you with some much-needed downtime during the day!

Transitioning to Their Own Room

If you find that your baby is struggling with sleep despite a consistent routine, consider the possibility that they might be distracted by their surroundings. Most little ones will benefit from moving into their own room soon if they haven’t done so already. This change can help eliminate distractions and create a more consistent sleep environment.

Before making the transition, ensure the new room is baby-proofed and set up with a comfortable cot, familiar blankets, and black-out blinds.         

At this stage, your little one is getting more engaged with the world around them and is eager to explore everything in sight. While these newfound curiosities are wonderful, they might also come with some impatience when it comes to mealtime. They’re too busy to sit in their high chairs for a full meal!

You may also notice a slight drop in their appetite this month. This is perfectly normal. Their growth rate is starting to slow down slightly, so they don't require as much food as they did a few months ago. Don't worry if they seem less interested in eating; their body knows what it needs.

If you've been spoon-feeding your baby, you might notice them becoming particularly impatient this month and wanting to take control. Embrace this by allowing them to self-feed when appropriate. 

It can be a long and messy process but is great for your little one’s independence and fine motor development. You can also offer finger foods that are easy to grasp, like small pieces of banana or soft-cooked pasta for self-feeding.

It’s not uncommon for babies around this month to become more decisive with their food choices. They might be better at recognising foods they don't particularly like and will make it known. This is a natural part of their development, as they become more independent and assertive about what they do and don’t want. Encourage this exploration, but don't be discouraged if they turn up their nose at certain foods. It's all part of the process!

Introducing The Sippy Cup

As well as changes in eating habits, this month is an excellent time to consider weaning your baby from the bottle to a baby cup. This transition helps them develop their motor skills and independence. Start by introducing the cup during mealtimes and offering sips of water. Gradually, they'll get the hang of it. Remember, patience is key during this transition.

Remember that your baby still needs daily vitamin drops containing vitamins A, C, and D unless they consume a pint (500ml) or more of formula milk each day. These essential vitamins play a huge role in your baby's growth and development, so make sure to keep up with their daily supplementation even as they’re eating more solids.

Depending on whether your baby had their checks with the health visitor already, this check-up might happen during this month. If you have yet to have your check or heard anything, feel free to contact your GP to try and get it booked in. 

During the check-up, the healthcare professional will cover various aspects of your baby's well-being, including:

1. Sight and Hearing:

They will check for any signs of vision or hearing issues, so be prepared for a few tests.

2. Language and Communication:

The health visitor will assess your baby's babbling and attempts at communication. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby's language development, this is the perfect time to ask for guidance.

3. Physical Development:

Growth and physical development are significant markers of your baby's health. The health check will include measurements to track your baby's progress. Don't be surprised if your little one is becoming quite the wriggler by now!

Childproofing your home becomes even more critical as your baby becomes more mobile. Secure furniture, keep dangerous objects out of reach, and use safety gates to prevent access to stairs or dangerous areas.