IMPORTANT MILESTONES 9-12 MONTHS

Milestones: 9-12 Months

These months are full of movement, personality, and growing independence. Babies are learning how their bodies work, how to communicate needs, and how relationships feel. Remember: every baby develops at their own pace. These milestones describe common patterns, not expectations or deadlines.

Month 9–10: Independence & Exploration Take Off

Social & Emotional

  • Shows strong attachment to caregivers
  • May cry when caregivers leave (separation anxiety is common)
  • Enjoys interactive games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake
  • Expresses a wider range of emotions (excitement, frustration, pride)
  • Begins to show preferences for people, toys, and routines

Communication

  • Babbling sounds more like real speech (“mamama,” “dadada”)
  • Uses sounds and gestures together to communicate
  • Responds consistently to their name
  • Understands simple words like “no,” “bye-bye,” or “all done”
  • Uses vocalizations to get attention

Movement / Motor

  • Crawls confidently or moves efficiently in their own way
  • Pulls to stand using furniture
  • Cruises along furniture while holding on
  • Sits steadily while reaching and playing
  • Uses a pincer grasp (thumb and finger) to pick up small items

Thinking / Cognitive

  • Looks for hidden objects (stronger object permanence)
  • Explores cause and effect (drop → sound, push → movement)
  • Imitates simple actions
  • Shows curiosity about how things work
  • Recognizes familiar people, pets, and places

Month 10–11: Confidence, Communication, and Problem-Solving

Social & Emotional

  • Seeks comfort from caregivers when upset
  • Enjoys shared attention (looks back and forth between you and an object)
  • May show fear of strangers
  • Displays affection (hugs, leaning in, cuddling)
  • Tests limits and reactions

Communication

  • Uses gestures like pointing, waving, clapping, or shaking head
  • May say one word meaningfully (“mama,” “dada”)
  • Follows simple directions (“come here,” “give me”)
  • Uses different sounds for different needs
  • Engages in back-and-forth “conversation”

Movement / Motor

  • Cruises more confidently
  • May stand briefly without support
  • May begin taking first steps
  • Squats to pick up objects and stands again
  • Improves hand-eye coordination

Thinking / Cognitive

  • Explores objects in different ways (stacking, banging, opening)
  • Solves simple problems (moves obstacles to reach toys)
  • Understands routines and anticipates what comes next
  • Copies adult behaviors during play

Month 11–12: Early Toddler Skills & Big Personality

Social & Emotional

  • Shows strong preferences and independence
  • May resist help or want to “do it myself”
  • Enjoys social games and shared laughter
  • Uses caregivers as a secure base while exploring
  • Begins testing boundaries

Communication

  • May say a few simple words
  • Understands many more words than they can say
  • Uses gestures intentionally to communicate needs
  • Responds to simple questions (“Where’s the ball?”)
  • Imitates sounds and words

Movement / Motor

  • May walk independently or with support
  • Cruises and climbs on furniture
  • Throws objects intentionally
  • Uses hands together more skillfully
  • Feeds self finger foods with increasing control

Thinking / Cognitive

  • Understands object permanence fully
  • Uses trial and error to solve problems
  • Recognizes familiar objects when named
  • Enjoys pretend play (feeding a doll, holding a phone)
  • Explores environment with confidence and curiosity

Between 9–12 months, babies become:

  • More independent (cruising, walking, exploring)
  • More expressive (gestures, first words, emotions)
  • More coordinated (pincer grasp, standing, climbing)
  • More socially aware (separation anxiety, shared attention)

Your loving responses, play, routines, and conversations help support healthy development and strong relationships.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby’s first year: Development and growth.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Developmental milestones: 9–12 months.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Important milestones: Your baby at nine months. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Important milestones: Your baby at twelve months. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 

World Health Organization. (2023). Infant development and early learning. 

 Zero to Three. (2023). Baby development: 9–12 months.

Johnson, S., & Marlow, N. (2011). Early developmental milestones and later development. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 96(7), 641–648.