What do 9-month-old babies like to do?
Your 9-month-old is learning new things every day. They are probably engaging with the world more and more, from quiet play when they are breastfeeding to banging on pots while you cook. Babies at this age are starting to mimic different sounds as part of their language development and actions as part of their physical development.
Your baby is probably letting you know what they like and dislike. You will quickly learn how to read their expressions and body language to determine what they're asking for, including what kinds of activities they want to try.
What to teach a 9-month-old baby
When you think of activities for 9-month-old babies, think of the things that make you laugh, smile, or feel silly. These are usually great ideas for games for 9-month-old babies. You've probably seen how babies react to funny faces, silly noises, or large, exaggerated movements.
If you like music and played it for your baby when they were in the womb, your baby will likely recognize some of that music and respond. Much of what your baby has been exposed to in their early life is based on rhythms. These can include your heartbeat, breathing, rocking motions, pats on their back or bottom, footsteps, clapping, etc.
Many of these rhythmic patterns are reflected in music and offer an excellent way to learn and play. In fact, recent studies have shown that infants who listen to music develop earlier positive social behavior and skills than children who do not. It has also been shown that young children who listen to music develop stronger language skills.
Other activities for 9-month-old babies can include peek-a-boo, ball games, imitation, keep away, and drop the toy. Your baby is learning that things do not disappear when they can longer see them. They love to drop things off a highchair over and over again because they know it is still there and you will pick it up again! Your 9-month-old might start to play keep-away by offering you a toy and pulling it back to themselves at the last second. All of these repetitive actions can be incorporated into activities for 9-month-olds.
