9-Month Checkup

• Family Well-Being
  • Keep a usual family routine
  • Make one-on-one time for each child in family
• Keeping Child Safe
  • Do not shake or hit baby
  • Do not leave baby alone in bathwater
  • Empty all buckets of water
  • Keep child in rear-facing car seat in back seat of car until at least 2 years old or until child is over the height and weight limit set by seat maker
  • Choose safe, quality child care
  • Assess home risk for exposure to lead
  • Lock up guns
  • Cover electrical outlets
  • Keep cleaning supplies and medicine away from baby
• Healthy Feeding
  • Do not put baby in bed with bottle
  • Do not use infant feeders
  • Do not force baby to eat or finish food
  • Introduce a cup to begin the weaning process
  • Offer water or juice at snack time
  • Slowly increase the choice of solid foods
  • Cut table foods into small pieces; do not offer hot dogs cut into circles
• Regular Care and Routines
  • Clean teeth with soft toothbrush two times a day
  • Establish ongoing care with dental provider
  • Establish a consistent bedtime routine
• Healthy Progress
  • Limit TV and screen time to one to two hours a day
  • Praise good behavior
  • Promote language using simple words
  • Provide age-appropriate toys
  • Provide favorite toy for self-soothing during sleep time
  • Provide nap time daily
  • Read books and talk about pictures and story using simple words
  • Provide reassurance to reduce separation anxiety
  • Use distraction or choice of two appropriate options for discipline