PHYSICAL HEALTH
I use my fingers and toes.
Play games and sing songs with me that use my hands and feet.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
I enjoy playing with adults.
Sing out loud and dance with me. Play with things that make noise.
HOW I LEARN
I move to explore.
Give me safe places to play and move. Watch me closely.
THINGS I KNOW
I like to play hiding games.
Hide something and then uncover it. Play peekaboo with me.
LANGUAGE
I use sounds with gestures.
Talk with me. Wait for me to make sounds and then talk to me again.
Your Baby's Relationships are Important
Your baby's brain develops constantly and every moment is important. Your baby’s relationship with you and other caregivers is very critical for health and development. The everyday things you and your baby’s caregivers do help his or her brain develop. Your baby learns from you and everyone that interacts with him or her. Here are some tips on how to interact with your baby:
• Talk to your baby about what will happen next as you do things with him or her, such as change diapers, feed, and bathe.
• Cuddle with your baby while you talk about the pictures in his or her books.
• Play copycat games. Make a funny sound and then wait for your baby to make it. Copy his or her sounds, too.
Your baby may start to be more comfortable around people he or she spends the most time with and may be more anxious around strangers. Remind everyone who takes care of your baby how important they are to him or her.
Your Baby's Development
It's important to find out if your baby is on track for healthy development or if he or she may need some support. Each baby develops at his or her own pace. If at nine months your baby does not sit up or make babbling sounds, or if you have any other development questions, help is available. Talk with your doctor or nurse or call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to learn more. They can help you check your baby’s development and connect you with the Early Support for Infant and Toddlers Program in your community, if needed.