Baby Luke is 9 months old!

So... what can baby Luke do nowadays?

[Source: Developmental milestones record - 9 months]

Physical characteristics & motor skills

Gains weight at a slower rate - about 15g per day / 450g per month
Increases in length by 1.5cm per month
Bowel and bladder become more regular
Puts hands forward when the head is pointed to the ground (parachute reflex) to protect self from falling
Is able to crawl
Sits for long periods
Pulls self to standing position
Reaches for objects while sitting
Bangs objects together
Can grasp objects between the tip of the thumb and index finger
Feeds self with fingers
Throws or shakes objects

Sensory & cognitive skills

Babbles
Has separation anxiety and may cling to parents
Is developing depth perception
Understands that objects continue to exist, even when they are not seen
Responds to simple commands
Responds to name
Understands the meaning of "no"
Imitates speech sounds
May be afraid of being left alone
Plays interactive games, such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
Waves bye

Play time

Provide picture books

Provide different stimuli: Go to the mall (people), go to the zoo (animals)

Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objects in the environment

Teach hot and cold through play

Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking

Sing songs together

Avoid television time until age 2

A transition object may help decrease separation anxiety

More photos

Baby Luke is very active. He loves playing with bulky things, especially those with shapes such as baskets and boxes. He also loves colorful cards and books.