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What will we do at this visit?
- Check Weight, Length and Head Circumference and track how your baby is growing.
- Talk about how your family is doing, feeding your baby, sleep, and safety.
- Answer any questions you have!
- Help your child stay healthy by keeping them up to date with their immunizations.
- You will fill out a form called the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) which is a developmental screening tool designed for use by early educators and health care professionals to help us catch delays and celebrate milestones.
Will my child need immunizations at this visit?
The recommended immunization schedule protects infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they come into contact with potentially life-threatening diseases.
View the childhood immunization schedule to see which vaccines your baby needs.
Please note that there are age ranges for each vaccine and due to each child's individual medical history, illnesses, missed visits, travel plans, and other factors, your child may need a vaccine early, or to catch-up on missed vaccines at any age! You will discuss any needed immunizations at the time of your visit.
Feeding your baby:
- If you haven't already, start giving "lumpy foods" and table and finger foods.
- Continue breast milk or formula until at least 12 months. Do not give cow's milk or milk substitutes to drink until 12 months. Do not give juice or soda to your baby.
- Unless your baby has certain medical restrictions (talk with your Pediatrician), you can introduce peanut butter, tree nut butters, soy, wheat, egg, fish, shellfish, and dairy (yogurt, cheese) foods. Starting early can reduce their risk of developing an allergy.
- Read our Starting Solid Foods resource for more information.
- Your baby may have sips of water if you would like. Many choose to allow a baby to play with a sippy/straw/training cup with water at this age.
Your Child's Sleep:
Some babies sleep better than others. Lack of sleep can be one of the more challenging aspects of parenting. Take a look at our Sleep Resources page for information on typical sleep patterns, strategies, and reassurance.
Health and Safety Tips:
- Place gates on stairs.
- Watch over baby as they explore your home or outdoors.
- Watch out for "tip over" injuries when a baby pulls on furniture or cords and objects fall over/onto baby. Check out Anchor It for more information.
- Lower the crib mattress to the bottom setting so they don't fall over the rail.
- Do not leave your baby on a bed, changing table, or couch- they will roll off!
- Never leave your baby alone in bathwater, even in a bath seat or ring. Empty buckets, pools, and tubs right after you use them. Please read Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning.
- Crying as you leave is typical- stay calm and positive.
- Avoid screen time including background TV.
- Keep your home and car smoke free.
- Use a rear facing car safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Visit Be Seat Smart for more car seat information.
- Know how to call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) if you worry your baby has eaten, touched, or inhaled something harmful.
Important Milestones: Your Baby By Nine Months
Track your baby's milestones with the CDC.
Ages & Stages - Baby
Read age-specific articles about your Baby's health, development, and safety at healthychildren.org.
Activities to do with your Baby:
- Look at and read books together.
- Find information on Early Learning and Well-being, Early Learning, and Parenting on zerotothree.org.