• On average, babies gain 100-150 grams per week during this month.

• Babies grow about 1.5-2.5 cm per month at this stage.

  Average Measurements for Indian Babies:

   

• Parameter	Boys	Girls
  Weight (kg)	8.0-11.2	7.4.-10.4
  Height (cm)	73-81	71-79

   

Key Milestones:

1. Motor Development:

• Crawling and Cruising: Many babies start crawling or even begin to pull up to stand while holding onto furniture.
• Sitting Without Support: Most babies can sit independently without needing assistance for several minutes.
• Grasping Objects: Your baby’s hand-eye coordination improves, and they will reach for and grasp things more skillfully.
• Pulling to Stand: Some babies may begin pulling themselves to a standing position.
• Improved Hand Skills: Your baby may start picking up small objects using their thumb and forefinger.

2. Cognitive Development:

• Exploring with Hands and Mouth: Your baby continues to explore the world by reaching, grabbing, and putting things in their mouth.
• Memory: Your baby may now remember familiar faces and things for longer periods.
• Object Permanence: They now understand that objects exist even when they can’t see them.
• Problem-Solving: Your baby might begin to experiment with cause and effect, like pressing buttons or shaking toys to see what happens.

3. Communication and Language Development:

• More Complex Babbling: Expect more variety in sounds, like "ba-ba" or "da-da," with your baby trying to imitate words.
• Responding to Name: Your baby is likely to recognise their name and respond to it.
• Understanding Tone: They can differentiate between tones and may respond differently to a happy voice versus a stern one.
• Imitating Sounds and Actions: Your baby may try to mimic sounds or movements they see or hear.

4. Social and Emotional Development:

• Stranger Anxiety: At this age, your baby might feel more uneasy around unfamiliar people.
• Enjoying Social Play: Games like peek-a-boo become even more fun as your baby reacts with joy.
• Broader Emotional Range: Expect to see your baby express more varied emotions like happiness, frustration, or even shyness.
• Interest in Reflections: Your baby may enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror.

5. Sensory Development:

• Colour Vision: Your baby’s vision continues to improve, enabling them to see a wider range of colours.
• Hearing and Response: Your baby can respond to familiar voices or sounds, turning their head to locate the source.
• Touching and Exploring Textures: Your baby will enjoy feeling different textures, helping to develop their tactile senses.
• Tracking Moving Objects: Improved coordination lets your baby follow moving objects with ease.

6. Emotional Development:

• Attachment to Caregivers: At nine months, your baby will likely show a stronger attachment to you and their primary caregivers.
• Self-Soothing: Some babies start to self-soothe by sucking their thumb or fingers when upset.
• Comfort Seeking: They may also seek physical closeness when feeling distressed.
   

Baby Feeding Techniques:

Breastfeeding:

• Continue breastfeeding as often as your baby desires to ensure adequate nutrition.
• Maintain a proper latch for efficient feeding.

Bottle Feeding:

• If bottle-feeding, use slow-flow nipples and feed every 3-4 hours.
• Hold your baby in an upright position during feeding to prevent choking.

Solid Food Introduction:

• Most babies at this stage are eating pureed or mashed foods, but you can begin offering small, soft pieces of food to encourage chewing and help improve motor skills.
• Offer solids 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing portion size as your baby becomes accustomed to eating.

Milk Supply in the Ninth Month:

For Breastfeeding Mothers:

• Continue breastfeeding regularly to support your baby’s growth and development.
• Monitor wet diapers (6-8 per day) to ensure your baby is feeding enough.

For Formula Feeding:

• Your baby may consume 6-8 ounces of formula per feed, 4-5 times a day.
• Follow your paediatrician’s guidance regarding formula amounts.

Age: 9-10 months
What: Breast milk 
How much: Nurse every 4 hours
How often: Feed 5-6 times a day. Continue to feed on demand.

Age: 9-10 months
What: Formula
How much: About three fourth to one cup (6-8 ounces)
How often: Feed 4-6 times a day. Continue to feed on demand.

Age: 9-10 months
What: Solid Foods
How much: 2-3 tablespoons
How often: Offer pureed or mashed food 4-6 times a day. 

Signs Your Baby is Hungry:

• Rooting: Turning their head when touched on the cheek.
• Increased Alertness: Increased alertness or fussiness as feeding time approaches.
• Interest in food: Reaching for food or opening their mouth when offered.

Signs Your Baby is Full:

• Relaxed Body: Hands unclench and body appears calm.
• Slower Sucking: Your baby may reduce the frequency of sucking or stop completely.
• Turning Away: Turning their head or pushing away the bottle or breast.
   

Sleep Patterns in the Ninth Month:

• Total Sleep: Babies typically need 13-15 hours of sleep per day.
• Daytime Naps: Expect your baby to take 2-3 naps, each lasting 1-2 hours.
• Nighttime Sleep: Many babies can sleep 6-9 hour stretches at night.
   

Baby Vaccine Schedule

• At nine months, your baby may receive vaccines like the second doses of DTP, Hib, IPV, and Hepatitis B. Always consult your paediatrician for the latest vaccine schedule.

Newborn Baby Essentials

• Developmental Toys: Offer toys that support motor skills and hand-eye coordination, such as soft balls and stacking toys.
• Moisturisers: Use baby-safe moisturisers to keep skin hydrated, especially after tummy time.
• Diapering: With increased movement, your baby may require more frequent diaper changes. Ensure frequent diaper changes to prevent irritation and rashes.
• Diapering Supplies: Keep plenty of diapers, wipes, and a good quality rash cream to ensure your baby stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Baby Bath

• Bathe your baby 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free baby soap to cleanse their skin.
• Pat your baby dry with a soft towel after the bath instead of scrubbing.
• Keep their face and folds clean daily, even on non-bath days.