1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912 706-721-CARE georgiahealth.org/kids

Revised on 1/11/2012

Anticipatory Guidance for Parents: 9 months

Remember to bring your baby’s vaccination record with you. Even though only a few months have passed since the last checkup, your baby has made some big changes. You may see some new behaviors over the next few months and this sheet is meant to answer some common questions parents have about this age. Nutrition It is best to remove distractions at feeding time as babies this age are easily distracted by TV and toys. This is a time when new, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, soft cereals and pureed meats can be introduced and you can let your baby feed herself. Make sure to give a variety of textures like finely chopped, mashed, blended and soft lumps so your baby can make the transition from gumming foods to chewing.

• It may take 10-15 tries for a new food to be accepted • They will stop eating when they are full • AVOID peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and honey until over a year old • Continue to breast feed as you and your baby prefer

Meals should be spaced into breakfast, lunch, dinner with snacks a few hours after each meal. Your baby will stop eating when he is full. It is good to try and help your baby start to drink from a cup. Avoid sodas and sugary drinks completely. Limit juices to 4oz/day. Your baby should still be drinking formula at each meal. He will not need milk until 1 year of age. Sleeping Babies do best with routine. Try to minimize nighttime interruptions in routine like late nights out, noisy houses and visitors. The hour before bedtime should be peaceful and affectionate.

• If your baby wakes or cries at night, settle him and put him back to sleep in his crib. It is important as your baby begins to stand to lower her mattress to the lowest crib setting. Also remove crib bumpers as babies can use these as steps.

• Continue to keep sides of crib up, never leave babies unattended in their cribs with the sides down

Development This is a time where your baby will start to develop independence, opinions, and become more curious. Your baby may want to be held less and explore more. They may be wiggly and will get stronger.

• Your baby’s ability to control his head and other body parts in an effort to move around will rapidly develop in the next 3 months

• Watch your baby carefully as you give them time to crawl and explore. Get down on the floor at “baby level” and look for things she can get to that can hurt her such as cords, sockets, pictures with glass frames or stands that can be pulled over.

Your baby will start to develop “stranger anxiety”, which means that he will be more upset when being separated from you. It will be normal for him to get upset when he is dropped off at daycare, a relatives’ house, or when you leave the house.

1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912 706-721-CARE georgiahealth.org/kids

Revised on 1/11/2012

These are some other behaviors you should see in your baby around this age:

• He uses a wide variety of consonants and vowel sounds. • He can move from a crawl to sitting and tries to pull to stand. • He may put objects in her mouth more when playing. • He may imitate others. • He may start to point to identify and make noises for things he wants. • He may start to show preference for food and toys by refusing ones he doesn’t want. • He will start to develop “object permanence”, which means that he can understand that objects

are still there even when he can’t see them. Learning through play The best toys and games for your baby will be ones where she can interact with you with gestures and songs. Toys that can move like cars and balls, as well as blocks are good choices. Make sure these are large baby toys without small pieces and parts since she will most likely want to put them in her mouth. It is not beneficial for children of this age to watch TV, DVDs or play computer games for prolonged times. Discipline Since your baby will start to imitate others, it is best to show behaviors that you want from your child at this stage in life. Babies this age are too young to understand rules. Some examples are:

• If your baby wants to play with an unsatisfactory object, take it away and replace it with one of their toys that you want them to have.

• Limit the word “no” to important issues, like, “NO, hot, don’t touch” if she reaches toward the stove.

Yelling is not a productive way to communicate with your baby. It is important to have consistent behaviors between caregivers for your baby and to choose babysitters wisely. Always make sure babysitters are trained for safety and trustworthy and preferably CPR. Avoid social isolation; it is good for your baby to meet new people and other children. Safety Always place your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back of the car. Make sure straps are snug but not restrictive or tight. If you have questions about your car seat or positioning, check: Safe Kids East Central, 706-721-7606 or www.seatcheck.org, 1-866-SEATCHECK . Since your baby will be crawling around and more curious, take precautions for safety, especially in the kitchen. Some examples are:

• Cover power outlets, radiators and wires; use barriers around heaters and stoves • Do not leave your baby in the bathtub unattended or with another child • Keep all windows closed if you baby is crawling around and do not place furniture near windows • Do not place hot liquids in containers on tables that could be tipped over • Do not cook with pot and pan handles hanging over edge of stove • Keep your baby out of the kitchen while you are cooking • Avoid tablecloths as babies can pull on them • Do not keep loaded guns in the house • Keep a childproof lock on all low cabinets and drawers, especially those containing cleaning

products • Keep plants out of reach, many can be poisonous • Do not leave your baby in the car for any amount of time unattended • Use lotion form of sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater when in sun and reapply often • Do not use baby walkers, they can be dangerous for falls • Keep stairways gated and doors shut • Empty small pools, bathtubs and buckets immediately after use

Are you and your child safe at home? Please talk to your doctor, medical care provider or social worker if you have any concerns about the safety of you or your child.

1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912 706-721-CARE georgiahealth.org/kids

Revised on 1/11/2012

Positive Parenting These can be obtained through Bright Futures-if you need help, let me know. Preventing Illness Wash your and your baby’s hands often Wash toys with bleach water to prevent germ transfer as most toys will be mouthed Have your child’s immunizations up to date Don’t smoke in the house or car When should I call the clinic?

• Rectal temperature higher than 100.4F • Feeding problems: not eating or drinking as much as usual • Decrease in wet diapers when ill • Decrease in play or interaction • If you are worried about your baby • Trouble breathing-call 911 This sheet is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions or concerns, many resources are available to help you.

Early Childhood Special Education Screening and services for developmental delay or disability are available through your county’s Board of Education Richmond County Board of Education 706-826-1000 Columbia County Board of Education 706-541-0650 Aiken County Board of Education 806-641-2428 GHS Health System Family Medicine Clinic 706-721-4588