What to expect at your baby’s 9 months checkup

Weigh and measure your baby : You need to undress your baby completely so that she can be weighed. Her length and head circumference will also be taken and plotted on a growth chart. This chart enables them to compare your baby with other children of  the same age. If there is a slowed growth rate, that is okay. Most children  do so at this age as they settle into a long term growth rate.

Complete physical : The doctor will do the following

• check your baby lungs and heart. He will use a stethoscope to check for any abnormal heart rhythms and breathing problem
• look signs of infection and new teeth
• he will check the baby’s ears for infection and how the baby responds to sound
• he will check the baby’s soft spot and the shape of your baby’s head
• he will press gently on the your baby’s belly to check for any enlarged organs or abdominal hernia
• the doctor will check your baby’s reflexes and muscle tone and rashes and paleness. Pale skin is a sign of iron deficiency which babies are at high risk for between 9 and 24 months
• he will open your baby’s diaper and check for signs of infection
• he will move your baby’s legs around to look for signs of hip problems

Immunization : He will give your baby any missed immunization. Your baby will also be due for  a flu shot if its the flu season.

He will also address and any questions and concerns you may have.
Some of the questions your doctor may ask you include the following :

How is your baby sleeping : Most  9 month old babies  sleep for about 10 to 11  hours at night and  3 to 4 hours during the day. Your baby may be waking up at night and  feeling reluctant to go to sleep because she misses the daytime fun. You can get helpful information on how many hours your baby needs to sleep.

How well is your baby eating :You baby should be able to feed herself with a few finger foods. Let your doctor know if your child is having problems eating solids or drinking from a sippy can.

Development : It is common for babies at this age to do the following:

• crawling or getting around by some other means such bottom shuffling,  scooting or slithering. She will start puling herself to stand if she hasn’t already.
• your baby may be saying words like mama or dada even though some children cannot still be able to say this.  She  can probably jabber wordlike  sounds. Let your doctor know if your child doesnt respond to his name or understand a few familiar words.
• most babies start responding  to things that catch their attention such as toys around the age of 9 to 12 months.
• most babies at this age have separation anxiety. They stick close to their parents and family members and are wary of people they don’t know.
• your baby should be able to bear her weight on her feet and pull herself to the standing position or you hold her up. If you baby is using one side of her body more than the other, let your doctor know
• now is a good time to make sure your home is childproof such as securing all electrical outlets . Put all medicines and cleaning products out of reach of children.  You have to post poison control hotline phone number at a place that is obvious.
  You have to know that children develop at different rates. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician.