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Hi!
Your baby is now 9 months old! You have probably found that your baby is very curious about everything.
This month we’ll talk about continuing to breastfeed or chestfeed when you return to work or school, speech and language development, and how you are feeling.
It’s time to complete the 9-month Looksee Checklist!
Does your child:
- Look for a hidden toy?
- Imitate facial expressions?
- Turn to look for the source of a sound?
- Understand short instructions? (“wave bye-bye!”, “no”, “don’t touch”)
- Babble a series of different sounds? (“babababa”, “huhduhduhduh”)
- Make sounds or gestures to get attention or help?
- Sit without support for a few minutes?
- Attempt to move by crawling, “bum” shuffling, or pivoting on tummy?
- Stand with support when helped into a standing position?
- Pass an object from one hand to another?
- Pick up small items using thumb and first finger? (crumbs, cereal, rice)
- Bang two objects together?
- Play games with you? (nose touching, peek-a-boo)
- Fuss or cry if familiar caregiver looks or behaves differently?
- Reach to be picked up or held?
Follow up with your health care provider if you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions or if you have concerns about your child’s development. |
Returning to work or school?
You have a right to workplace or school accommodations for continuing to breastfeed or chestfeed. Consider:
- Choosing a childcare option near your workplace or school so you can feed your baby during breaks or lunchtime
- Pumping breastmilk at work or school during breaks to provide your baby while you’re at work or school
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Speech and language
In the first year of life, your baby learns from watching your face and listening to your voice. The more you talk, sing, play, and read with them, the more sounds and words they will learn.
Tips for helping your baby develop speech and language skills:
- Speak to your baby face-to-face so they can watch your face and interact with you more easily.
- Follow you baby's lead and repeat sounds and babble.
- Sing and talk throughout daily routines.
- Name familiar objects.
- Avoid the use of screen time.
- Read brightly coloured books with pictures of things your baby sees every day (e.g., food, animals, and clothing).
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Mood disorders
Did you know that postpartum mood disorders can start anytime in your baby’s first year, or beyond? If you’re not feeling yourself, it’s okay. Talk to someone you feel comfortable with, and your health care provider. |
Early Expressions
Early Expressions is the local preschool speech and language program.
Visit the Early Expressions webpage to learn:
- how to support your child’s speech and language development,
- about your child’s communication milestones, and
- when and how to access a free speech and language assessment.
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Have a good month! We’ll connect again next month when your baby turns 10 months old. |
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
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