Dr. Carole Keim MD introduces everything to know about babies at 9 months of age in this episode. She details developmental milestones and safety considerations for the 9 to 12 month age range and lets you know what to look for.

Dr. Keim encourages parents to have date nights at this stage, to leave your baby with a trusted sitter, and also to start really talking out any parenting differences that may have appeared. She talks about all the ways in which your baby will have developed, from object permanence to repetitive sounds, and covers sleep, nutrition, and teeth as well. This is the age to really start baby proofing your home with outlet covers and stairway gates, and Dr. Keim also shares advice on skincare and the 9 month check up.

This episode will cover:

Parents
Development
Sleep
Nutrition
Teeth
Elimination
Skin Care
Safety
9 Month check-up

Parents: 00:26

Typically have routines down
Engage with child often by speaking with/to them, waiting for them to respond
Infant should be able to separate or move away from parent for moments, but will check back to look at them
Have a “yes” space
Have regular date nights with a babysitter watching baby
Make time for yourself
Hang out with friends
Use consistent positive discipline (notice/comment on good behavior, avoid using the word “no” and instead tell them what they CAN do, use distraction, be a role model)

Development: 03:00

Stranger anxiety / apprehension
Seeks out parent
Uses repetitive consonant and vowel sounds while babbling
Says mama or dada (not specific)
Points out objects
Has object permanence
Interactive games (responds to peek-a-boo, cause-and-effect toys)
Explores environment with eyes, body, and mouth
Some movement across floor
Can start weaning pacifier

Sleep: 05:20

10-12h at night, 2 naps per day
Bedtime routine established: quiet time, reading, singing
In crib in parents room; consider moving to own room when 1 year old
Still no blankets until 1 year old
No bottles in bed

Nutrition: 06:21

3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day at the same time as the family
Offer a variety of foods and textures
Should be consuming 24-30oz of breast milk or formula daily
Can have water; can start using a cup
No cow’s milk or honey until 1 year of age
Should be eating greens daily; ok to have meat; supplement with iron if not eating greens daily or red meat 3x per week
Lots of oral exploration at this age; they might get into dog food/water, eat crumbs off the floor, eat rocks/sticks/dirt outside

Teeth: 09:59

Brush teeth BID with fluoride-free toothpaste; if there is no fluoride in water source can use a grain-of-rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
If no teeth yet, brush gums BID with plain water and toothbrush
First dentist visit will be at 1 year of age

Elimination: 11:10

Can start potty training by putting baby on potty after eating and upon waking
Typically voiding at least 6x per day, stooling 1-2x per day
If baby is constipated: first increase water intake, increase fiber (fruit and veggies), then consider prune juice or pear juice 2oz 1-2x per day. If not enough, talk to your doctor about miralax.

Skin care: 13:29

Bathe as often as they get dirty (2-3x per week)
Can use lotion
Use sunblock if spending more than 30 mins outside
Insect repellant for babies (citronella based is best)

Safety: 14:54

Baby proof the house - outlet covers, stairway gates, barriers around space heaters, cleaning products locked away, electrical cords out of reach
Keep baby in arms or a high chair or playpen in the kitchen and bathroom; never allow baby to be alone in those rooms
Set water temp to 120’F
Avoid secondhand smoke
Rear facing car seat until age 2
Don’t leave heavy objects or hot liquids on tablecloths or coffee table
Save poison control number in your phone

9mo Checkup: 18:40

Expect them to tear up and try to eat the exam room paper
They try to eat my stethoscope and badge
Full head-to-toe exam
Postpartum depression screening
No vaccines this visit, other than flu and covid
Next checkup is at 1 year of age (after first birthday); will do vaccines at that visit
Reminder that after 1 year of age should have their first dentist visit and eye exam at ophthalmologist

All of the information in this episode is also in The Baby Manual book, which is available for purchase. Remember it is always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your baby’s health.

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Baby Manual - Available on Amazon

--

Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

UNSEALED with Mark Greene

The Jack Carr Channel

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts