9 Month Well Visit: Information for Parents & Caregivers

• Expect messy eating—it’s normal and part of learning.

• Most babies now eat 3 meals and 2–3 snacks each day. You may notice your baby drinking less breastmilk or formula as they start to eat more foods.

• Offer a variety of healthy foods at each meal. Keep offering new foods; it may take 10–15 tries before your baby accepts a new flavor.

• Follow your baby’s fullness cues (turning away, closing mouth). Don’t force them to finish food.

• Always keep your baby sitting upright in a highchair and stay with them while eating.

Drinks

• Continue offering breast milk or iron‑fortified formula until your baby is 1 year old.

• Do not give cow’s milk until after the first birthday.

• Do not let your baby keep a bottle between meals or take a bottle to bed.

• This is a good time to begin weaning from the bottle. Encourage drinking water from an open cup or trainer cup.

• Fruit juice is not recommended unless your baby’s primary care provider has told you otherwise.

Solid Foods

• Your baby can eat a wide variety of table foods—no need to withhold foods except honey and choking hazards.

• Offer foods with different textures and thicknesses to help your baby learn to chew.

• By 9 months, many babies can pick up food with their thumb and index finger (pincer grasp).

• Good finger food options include:

  • Fruits: banana, soft pears, steamed apples, peaches, apricots

  • Vegetables: green beans, peas, steamed carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash

  • Grains: small pieces of toast, Cheerios, well‑cooked pasta

  • Protein: small pieces of cooked ground meat, chicken, boneless fish, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt

Choking Prevention

• Make sure all foods are soft, easy to swallow, and cut into small pieces.

• Avoid foods that can cause choking until age 3, including:

  • Nuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips

  • Large chunks of meat

  • Hard candy, gum

  • Whole grapes, raisins

  • Hot dogs, raw vegetables

  • Spoonfuls of peanut butter

Iron and Nutrition

• Babies who are mostly breastfed still need extra iron to prevent anemia.

• Your baby needs about 11 mg of iron daily from:

  • Iron‑fortified cereal

  • Iron‑rich foods (lentils, beans, spinach, meats, fish)

  • Iron supplements if recommended by your provider

Preventing Food Allergies

• Continue offering allergenic foods (egg, peanut, tree nuts, milk, soy, wheat, sesame, fish, shellfish) if already tolerated.

• Give egg and peanut 2–3 times per week to help maintain tolerance.

• Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 1–3 days to watch for reactions.

• If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk with your provider before introducing new allergenic foods.

  See the Food Allergy Prevention article for more information.

Family Mealtime

• Encourage family meals—babies learn by watching you eat.

• Offer the same healthy foods the family eats, prepared in baby‑safe textures.

Vitamin D

• 400IU of vitamin D is recommended for babies up until 1 year of age.

• Breastmilk is not a good source of vitamin D. This means that all breast-fed infants should be given vitamin D supplements.

• All formula-fed infants who take less than 1000ml (approximately 33 ounces per day) should also be given vitamin D supplements.

• Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter and should be given once daily.

  • There are 2 main types of vitamin D drops available for babies. Check the packaging of the vitamin D supplement you have to make sure you are giving the correct amount.

    • Some have the recommended amount of vitamin D (400IU) in just one drop.

    • With others, you need to give the entire dropper. Use the dropper that came with the bottle of vitamin D.

Learn more about vitamin D for infants here.

Iron

• Your baby needs about 11 mg of iron daily.

  • Formula fed babies generally receive enough iron in their formula.

  • The amount of iron in breastmilk usually decreases at this stage, so primarily breastfed babies may need an iron supplement. Ask your baby’s primary care provider about this.

  • Babies can also get iron in the solid foods they are eating at this age too.

• While your baby may have started teething by now, many babies still have no teeth at this age.

• When babies are teething, they may drool and chew a lot. They might also pull on their ears.

How to manage teething discomfort safely:

• Massage the gums: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger, clean washcloth, or a moist gauze pad. The light pressure can help relieve pain.

• Offer cool items to chew on: Give your baby a clean, firm rubber teething ring to chew on. You can chill the teething ring or a clean, wet washcloth in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Frozen items may be too hard and can hurt your baby’s gums.

• Dry the drool: Wipe your baby’s face often with a soft cloth to prevent a rash on their chin or cheeks.

• Pain relief medication: If your baby is very fussy and other methods aren’t working, ask your pediatrician about using a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

What to avoid:

• Do NOT use teething gels or creams that contain benzocaine (found in products like Baby Orajel, Anbesol, etc.). They are not safe for children under two.

• Do NOT use homeopathic teething tablets or gels. They may contain harmful ingredients like belladonna.

• Do NOT use amber teething necklaces or bracelets. They are a choking and strangulation risk.

Keeping teeth healthy:

• Keep your own teeth healthy. Go to your dentist twice a year. Healthy parent teeth mean you are less likely to pass cavity-causing germs to your baby.

• Don’t share spoons with your baby or use your mouth to clean their pacifier.

• Don’t give your baby a bottle to help them fall asleep.

• Clean your baby’s gums daily with a soft cloth.

• As soon as you see the first tooth, clean it two times per day with a soft cloth or a soft baby toothbrush.

• Use a small (about the size of a grain of rice) smear of toothpaste that has fluoride.

• Your child’s pediatrician can apply fluoride to their teeth as early as 6 months of age. Ask us for more information. Read more about fluoride varnish here.

Play and Learning

• Hold and talk to your baby often.

• Your baby enjoys hearing nursery rhymes and songs and may even start joining in with sounds.

• Encourage active play with colorful toys or a floor gym they can reach and explore.

• Offer toys that let your baby put objects in and take them out of containers — this builds problem‑solving and fine motor skills.

• Your baby may enjoy playing with safe household items - like plastic containers, spoons, and cardboard boxes.

• Your baby may like toys with moving parts like wheels and levers, parts that open and close, or holes to poke.

• Talk about what your child is doing with the toy.

• Walkers are not recommended because they are unsafe and don’t teach babies how to walk sooner. You can offer push toys if your baby is showing signs of standing or cruising.

• Let your baby explore inside and outside the home.

Reading and Media

• Read every day using sturdy cloth or board books with bright colors and simple pictures.

• Choose books with textures your baby can touch and explore.

• ZERO screen time for children under age two:

  • No TV, tablets, or smartphones.

  • Avoid having the TV on in the background.

  • Do not use digital media to calm your baby.

Discipline and Routines

• Create consistent routines for feeding, naps, and bedtime so your baby knows what to expect.

• Be consistent with limits and expectations.

• Tell your baby what to do, not just what to stop doing.

  • Example: “It’s time to eat” instead of “No throwing food.”

• Use distraction to redirect your baby — offer a new toy or activity.

• Use “No!” only for safety concerns, such as when your baby might get hurt.

  • Say "no" calmly and firmly and either take away the item that your child should not be playing with or remove them from the situation.

• Comfort your baby by using a soothing voice and being gentle with them.

Shoes

• Shoes are not needed when your baby is learning to walk indoors — bare feet help with balance.

• When shoes are needed, choose flexible‑sole shoes like soft sneakers or moccasins.

Every baby develops at their own pace. These are common milestones you may notice around this age.

Social and Emotional

• May be shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers.

  • Reacts when you leave by looking for you, reaching, or crying.

  • It’s normal for your baby to want to be close to you and feel anxious when separated. Stay calm and reassuring.

• Shows many facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, or surprised.

• Looks when you call their name.

• Smiles or laughs during peek‑a‑boo.

Language and Communication

• Makes many different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”.

• Lifts arms to be picked up.

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem‑Solving)

• Looks for objects that drop out of sight — a sign of object permanence.

• Enjoys games like dropping objects for you to pick up.

• Explores toys with improved coordination: picking them up, shaking them, banging them, and passing them from hand to hand.

Movement and Physical Development

• Gets into a sitting position independently.

• Sits without support.

• May begin pulling up to stand.

• Moves objects from one hand to the other.

• Uses fingers to “rake” food toward themselves and working on “pincer grasp” (using their thumb and index finger) to pick small things up.

• Many babies are sleeping through the night and will take 2 naps during the day.

• A regular bedtime routine is important.

  • This helps children learn to fall asleep on their own.

  • Put your baby to bed while they are getting sleepy but are still awake.

  • An example routine: play a quiet game, sing a lullaby, turn the lights out, and give a goodnight kiss.

• Avoid putting your baby in bed with a bottle or use the bottles/ breastfeeding to get your baby to sleep.

• If your baby wakes up a lot at night, ask your baby’s primary care provider for more advice and recommendations.

Your baby is becoming more mobile and curious. This is a good time to childproof your home and review safety routines.

Car Safety

• Always use a rear‑facing car seat in the back seat of every vehicle.

• Keep your child rear‑facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat (often past age 2). Every car seat is different.

• Make sure the harness is snug: you should fit only one finger under the straps, and the chest clip should be at armpit level.

• Never place a car seat in the front seat, especially with a passenger airbag.

• Your baby’s safety depends on you.

  • Always wear your seat belt.

  • Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs, and avoid texting or using your phone while driving.

• Never leave your baby alone in the car. Create habits to prevent forgetting, such as placing your phone or bag in the back seat.

Choking and Suffocation

• Keep cords, ropes, and strings away from your baby, especially near the crib.

• Pick up small objects like coins, beads, and buttons. Scan the floor at your baby’s level.

• Keep plastic bags, balloons, magnets, and button batteries out of reach. Seek care right away if swallowed.

• Avoid foods that can cause choking: candy, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, whole grapes, gum, raw vegetables, pretzels, chips, raisins, and spoonfuls of peanut butter.

• Cut all foods into small, soft pieces.

• Store toys in a chest without a heavy lid or a lid that can close on its own.

Fires and Burns

• Check that smoke detectors work and keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.

• Keep hot food, drinks, appliances, and cords out of reach.

• Test food temperature carefully, especially if microwaved.

• Keep electrical appliances (like curling irons) out of the bathroom or out of reach.

• Use back burners and turn pot handles inward when cooking.

• Cover unused electrical outlets and throw away frayed cords.

• Set your water heater to 120°F (50°C).

Falls

• Always keep at least one hand on your baby when they are on high surfaces like beds, sofas, or changing tables.

• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Keep windows closed or use window guards that adults can open in emergencies.

• Move furniture away from windows.

• Pad or block access to sharp furniture edges.

• Do not use baby walkers—they are unsafe and can lead to serious injuries.

• Anchor furniture, TVs, and lamps to prevent tipping.

• Lock doors to basements, garages, and other dangerous areas.

Water Safety

• Never leave your baby alone near water.

• Stay within arm’s reach during bath time, even if using a bath seat. Bath “rings” are not recommended.

• Babies can drown in just a few inches of water. Keep toilet lids down and store buckets empty and upside down.

Sun Protection

• Protect your baby with clothing, a hat, shade, and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).

• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating.

• Avoid direct sun during peak hours when possible.

Poison Safety

• Keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning supplies, and chemicals locked up and out of sight.

• Pay special attention to laundry and dishwasher pods—they are dangerous if swallowed.

• Use safety latches on cabinets.

• Save the Poison Control Center number in your phone: 1‑800‑222‑1222. Call right away if you think your child swallowed something harmful.

Tobacco Exposure

• Babies exposed to smoke have more frequent and more severe respiratory infections.

• Create a smoke‑free home and car.

• If you smoke, consider quitting. Resources: 1‑800‑NO‑BUTTS, nobutts.org, kickitca.org.

Preventing Lead Poisoning

• Even small amounts of lead can harm your child’s brain and development.

• Lead may be found in old paint, dust, soil, toys, and jewelry.

• Reduce exposure by:

  • Staying away from areas where repairs or renovations are happening.

  • Using certified workers trained in lead‑safe practices.

  • Cleaning floors and windowsills with a wet mop.

  • Removing shoes before entering the home.

  • Checking toys and jewelry for recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

• At CPCMG, we routinely test children’s lead level at the 12 month well visit, and sometimes at the 24 month well visit.

• Immunizations protect your child against serious, life-threatening diseases.

• The routinely recommended vaccines at this well visit are:

  • Depending on the season, flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be recommended.

  • Any vaccines your child might have missed so far.

• It is safe for your child to be given all recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Vaccines are safe, effective, and proven to save lives.

• At CPCMG, we offer combination vaccines whenever possible to decrease the number of injections.

• If you have concerns about vaccines, please talk to your child’s primary healthcare provider for accurate information.

• Learn more about recommended immunizations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Common side effects from vaccines

• Fever - can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• Soreness - can be treated with a cool compress.

• Swelling at the injection site - can be treated with a cool compress.

For more details, visit the immunizations section on our Health Hub.

Call your child's primary care provider if:

• Your child has a rash or any reaction other than fever and mild irritability.

• Your child has a fever that lasts more than 36 hours.

• More than half of new parents experience “postpartum blues”.

  • This usually starts 3 or 4 days after delivery and usually gets better within 1 to 3 weeks.

  • Symptoms can include tearfulness, feeling tired or sad, and trouble thinking clearly.

  • These feelings are linked to a sudden drop in hormones after birth.

• Many parents feel guilty or confused about these emotions, especially when they expected to feel only joy.

• There are healthy ways to manage postpartum blues.

  • Acknowledge your feelings. Talk with a partner, trusted friend, your healthcare provider, or your baby’s primary care provider.

  • Get enough rest. If possible, sleep when your baby is asleep.

  • Ask for help. Let others help with meals, baby care, or tasks around the home.

  • Stay connected. Try not to isolate - spend time with people who support you.

• If you are still feeling down, please talk to your healthcare provider. You might benefit from counseling or other support.

• If your feelings are making it hard for you to care for yourself and your baby, get help as soon as possible.

  Helpful access and crisis lines:

  San Diego County 888-724-7240

  Riverside County 951-686-HELP (4357)

  Crisis Text Line: 741741 - text any word (like HELP or TALK) to start a discussion

  You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (text 988) at any time to speak with someone immediately.

  For more information on 10 signs of postpartum depression, click here.

  For more information and resources for therapists and counselors in San Diego County and Riverside County, click here.

• Your family is probably getting used to new routines. Keep in mind that as your baby gets older and changes, the routines will change too.

• If you have older children, the excitement of having a new baby in the home might be fading. You might be noticing more unwanted behaviors from your older children. This is normal and happens often.

  • Find small, but safe, ways for your other children to help with the baby, such as bringing you things you need or holding the baby’s hand.

  • Spend special time with each child reading, talking, and doing things together.

• You may be looking into options for childcare for your baby. It’s normal to feel sad or worried about leaving your baby with someone else. Look for mature, trained, and responsible caregivers.

• Take time for yourself and your partner. Spend time with family and friends.

• Let your child’s primary care provider know if:

  • You feel unsafe or have been hurt by someone close to you. We can connect you with confidential support and hotlines.

  • You are worried about your living situation or having enough food.

• Programs like SNAP and WIC may help with:

  • Buying formula for infants.

  • Getting food for breastfeeding parents and children up to age 5.

  • For more information on the WIC program please ask your doctor or contact WIC directly.

    • WIC San Diego 1-800-500-6411, http://sandiegowic.org/

    • WIC Riverside: 1-800-472-2321, http://cms.sbcounty.gov/wic/Home.aspx

Your baby's next well visit should be at the age of 12 months. It needs to be after their birthday.

• We will talk about:

  • Taking care of your baby, your family, and yourself.

  • Feeding, sleep, and developmental milestones.

  • Teaching and playing with your baby.

  • Disciplining your baby.

  • Brushing your baby’s teeth and dental care.

  • Keeping your baby safe at home, outside, and in the car

• Bring your child’s immunization card to all visits.

• We are here for you between Well Visits!

  • We understand that it is not possible to address all concerns at the Well Visit.

  • For medical conditions, illnesses, mental health and behavioral health, and other concerns between Well Visits, please schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care provider.

Immunizations

Immunizations protect your child against serious, life-threatening diseases.

The routinely recommended vaccines at the next well visit (the 12 month visit) are:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Varicella (chickenpox)

• Hepatitis A

• Pneumococcal (PCV20)

• Depending on the season, flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be recommended.

• Any vaccines your child might have missed so far.

Learn more about recommended immunizations from the American Academy of Pediatrics