Hello, these are the things a 9-month-old has usually reached the following milestones: • Gains weight at a slower rate, about 15 grams (half an ounce) per day, 1 pound per month • Increases in length by 1.5 centimeters (a little over one-half inch) per month • Bowel and bladder become more regular • Puts hands forward when the head is pointed to the ground (parachute reflex) to protect self from falling • Is able to crawl • Sits for long periods • Pulls self to standing position • Reaches for objects while sitting • Bangs objects together • Can grasp objects between the tip of the thumb and index finger • Feeds self with fingers • Throws or shakes objects. To help the 9-month-old develop: • Provide picture books. • Provide different stimuli by going to the mall to see people, or to the zoo to see animals. • Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment. • Teach hot and cold through play. • Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking. • Sing songs together. • Avoid television time until age 2. • Try using a transition object to help decrease separation anxiety.