Emotional and social development

Show definite likes and dislikes

at meal time

Physical development
Enjoy songs and action rhymes

Gross motor skills

Play alone for long periods of time

Often need a comfort object, such
as a teddy bear or a special
blanket
Enjoy making noises by banging
toys

Nine
months

Cognitive and Language

Understand and obey
no
Recognize familiar
pictures
Imitate some adult
sounds
Variety of intonation

Fine motor skills

Can grasp objects
between finger
and thumb
(pincer grasp)
Pass toys easily
from one hand to
the other
Can release a toy,
but not set it
down

Find ways to move

around on the floor:
maybe rolling,
wriggling or crawling
on stomach
Pull themselves to a
standing position
Can sit unsupported
for about 15 minutes
May take steps when
both hands are held