Your Baby at 9 Months
Explore this age stage using information from approved sources and TalkPebble parent guidance.
About this age
This page brings together CDC developmental milestone information for around 9 months and TalkPebble ideas for everyday connection.
Developmental areas
Important: TalkPebble's milestone information is for educational and developmental monitoring purposes. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace standardized developmental screening or professional evaluation.
CDC-derived milestones
Social / Emotional
- Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
- Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
- Looks when you call their name
- Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
- Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Language / Communication
- Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
- Lifts arms up to be picked up
Cognitive
- Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like a spoon or toy)
- Bangs two things together
Movement / Physical Development
- Gets to a sitting position by themself
- Moves things from one hand to the other hand
- Uses fingers to “rake” food toward themself
- Sits without support
AYJNISHD reference
Listening & Speech
Listening and speech development builds over time. These observations from AYJNISHD describe examples of auditory responses and speech and language development across early childhood.
AYJNISHD reference: 9 to 18 months
Auditory Response
- Looks up when called
- Understands words such as “no”
- Responds to simple commands
Speech & Language Development
- Uses their voice to get attention
- First words may be heard during this period
- Imitates some sounds made by others
- Gradually builds a vocabulary of meaningful words by 18 months
Have concerns about listening or speech?
If you notice a persistent concern about your child's response to sounds or speech and language development, consider discussing it with a qualified healthcare or communication professional.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesReference source
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan)
Government of India
Auditory & Speech Milestones
View sourceTalkPebble guidance
Support for everyday moments
TalkPebble-created ideas for turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect.
What this can look like
- Your baby may repeat a favorite sound, lift their arms to ask to be picked up, or look for a toy that fell.
Try it at home
- Repeat a sound your baby makes, then add one simple word.
- Read a picture book and name the picture your baby is looking at.
What to say
- “Ba-ba-ba… book!”
- “Up? You want up.”
- “Where did the spoon go?”
What to notice
- Repeats sounds
- Lifts arms toward you
- Looks for a dropped toy
- Looks when you call their name
Why it helps
Naming what your baby notices or communicates helps connect sounds, gestures, and familiar moments.
Try a TalkPebble activity
- Wait for Response
After you say something, count slowly to five in your head. That quiet space gives your child room to take their turn without feeling rushed.
- Reading Together
Follow your child’s lead instead of every word on the page. Talk about what they point at, and let them turn the pages at their own pace.
Keep practicing with TalkPebble
Use simple everyday activities to build on the moments you are already sharing.
Have concerns about your child's development?
You know your child best. If you have concerns about your child's development, talk with your child's healthcare professional and ask about developmental screening.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesSource
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Milestones by 9 Months
View sourceDevelopmental milestone information is based on the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program. TalkPebble is not affiliated with or endorsed by the CDC.