From the Guidelines
At 9 months, babies should be able to roll to both sides, sit well without support, and demonstrate motor symmetry, as indicated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. To expand on this, the milestones for a 9-month-old baby include:
- Gross motor skills: rolling over supine to prone, sitting without support, pulling to stand, coming to sit from lying, and crawling 1
- Fine motor skills: reaching for cubes and transferring, raking small objects with 4 fingers, and picking up small objects with 3 fingers 1 It's essential to note that development varies among babies, and some may reach milestones earlier or later. Key elements of a motor history to consider at this age include:
- Delayed acquisition of skills
- Involuntary movements or coordination impairments
- Regression of skills
- Strength, coordination, and endurance issues 1 If you notice your baby isn't meeting multiple milestones or has lost previously acquired skills, consult your pediatrician for guidance, as they can provide a comprehensive developmental surveillance and screening, including a physical examination to consider congenital myopathies or lower motor neuron disorders 1.
From the Research
Milestones for 9 Months
There are no specific milestones for 9 months mentioned in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the importance of interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice in rehabilitation.
- The studies focus on the collaboration between speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists in rehabilitation settings 2, 3, 4.
- They highlight the need for evidence-based practice and scientific competencies among healthcare professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists 5.
- The studies provide insights into the experiences and attitudes of clinicians regarding interprofessional collaboration and the learning needs of therapists in evidence-based practice 3, 4, 5.
Developmental Milestones
Although the provided studies do not specifically mention milestones for 9 months, it is generally known that around 9 months, infants typically achieve certain developmental milestones, such as:
- Sitting up without support
- Crawling or moving their arms and legs to move around
- Standing with support
- Saying a few words, like "mama" or "dada"
- Responding to their name and simple commands
However, these milestones are not directly related to the provided studies, which focus on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice in rehabilitation.