How to Stimulate a 9-Month-Old's Senses

Around 9 months of age, babies become much more mobile and begin to play and explore their surroundings. This is the age when many babies learn to crawl and may even pull themselves up in a standing position. Teeth are starting to come in and meals become an adventure as babies begin to assert their independence over food choices. With all of the developmental changes occurring during this time, keep safety a priority as you work with your baby and teach her new things.

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide plenty of age-appropriate toys, even if they̵7;re just common household items, like plastic cups, wooden spoons and measuring cups. Babies at this age like to make noises, bang things together and throw things on the floor. The never-ending game of ̶0;pick-up̶1; might be annoying after the 100th time, but even this simple game teaches coordination and motor skills. Large rubber balls also aid in the development of motor skills.

    • 2

      Baby-proof your home and let your baby explore while supervised. Changes in environment, the feel and texture of different types of floors, and different objects in each room offer a new and unique point of interest for your baby.

    • 3

      Play games such as pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo with the baby. These games are interactive and require hand motions, which the baby will likely find interesting and try to imitate.

    • 4

      Offer soft finger foods such as small pieces of banana or yogurt melts if your baby does well with solids. Finger foods provide exposure to different tastes and textures and help develop fine motor skills.

    • 5

      Introduce the sippy cup to your baby. Cups require a slightly different sucking action than bottles. Since cups look and feel different, your baby may find them intriguing.

    • 6

      Talk to your baby frequently. Around this age, babies begin to understand simple words like ̶0;no̶1; and ̶0;bye.̶1; Sing songs to teach rhythm and rhyme. If you don̵7;t remember nursery rhymes or kids' songs, make up your own.

    • 7

      Read to your baby frequently. It̵7;s never too early to start. Reading stimulates many senses, including hearing, sight and sound. It also sets the stage for a lifelong love of reading.

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