Making a Difference: 9-12 Months

I am on my feet and starting to "cruise" along the edge of furniture. I love this new independence but I need you to watch out for me. Now I have lots more chances to explore and get into trouble!

Sometimes I will drive you crazy asking for help and doing things over and over. I love to throw things on the ground and watch you pick them up. Please be patient and have fun with me.

All of the new things I am experiencing can be very stressful. Hold me as often as you can. This does not spoil me. It helps me learn how to deal with stress now and in the future.

Steps for Healthy Child Development

9 to 12 months

Safety

• Childproof your house. Cover electrical outlets and make sure there are no cords, unblocked stairs, sharp edges or tippy furniture in the areas where baby will be.
• Put all poisonous and hazardous materials (such as cleaning fluids, lighters and lighter fluid) out of reach. Post the number of your local poison control centre on your fridge.

Security

• Respect your child's feelings, even if they don't seem rational to you at the time.
• Celebrate your baby's first birthday, but keep it simple. A cupcake, a short visit with family members or friends and lots of hugs is all he needs to feel special.

Health

• Exercise with your baby: crawl on the floor, gently stretch her arms and legs, roll a ball to her, play in the bathtub, roll around on a blanket outside, set up and crawl around a simple obstacle course.
• Help baby sleep with a comforting bedtime routine. Pacifiers, cuddle toys and soothing music may also help.

Learning

• Give your baby containers to fill up and empty with water, sand or household objects.
• Read out loud to your child every day. Encourage him to turn the pages and point to objects in picture books.

Adjusting

• Praise your baby for big and small achievements, such as drinking from a cup, saying mama, putting an object in a pot or pulling herself to a standing position.
• Distract your baby when you want him to change what he is doing. Hold and soothe him when he is frustrated.

What to Expect

Remember: Every baby develops at his or her own pace. These are guidelines only. If you are concerned about your baby's development, talk with your doctor, a public health nurse or another trusted health professional.

• Your baby may be able to pull herself to a standing position, move around holding on to furniture and eventually take a few steps on her own. However, many babies do not walk until they are 15 months or older.
• He will babble and soon say one or two words such as mama and dada.
• She may cry less and for different reasons. She may feel scared, helpless or frustrated because she does not yet have the skills she needs to do certain things. Or she may be upset with changes in routine.
• He will enjoy finger foods and drinking from a cup. Do not give him foods he can choke on such as nuts, raisins, popcorn, candy or hard pieces of vegetables and fruit.

If both parents will be working, think about what kind of childcare arrangements are best for you and your baby. Ask for referrals from trusted friends and advice from your nearest Ontario Early Years Centr.

Look for a caregiver you trust who will work with you for the benefit of your child. Visit the caregiver or childcare centre to see how they interact with children in their care. Make sure the setting is safe and clean. Check the caregiver's references.

If possible, go with your child on the first few days. Once he is with a caregiver full time, stay involved. Ask questions about his day-to-day activities and don't be afraid to make suggestions. Keep a strong, positive relationship with your child's caregiver. You are partners in his happiness and successful development.

The Government of Ontario supports parents in their efforts to help children get the best possible start in life. Ontario Early Years Centres are part of that commitment. For more information, please call toll-free 1-866-821-7770.