HE-730d, Reprinted July 1998. Ellen Abell,Extension Family and Child Development Specialist, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, and H. Wallace Goddard, former Extension Family and Child Development Specialist

---

Infants 9 To 12 Months Old

Your infant is curious, mobile, active, and capable, but definitely not concerned with safety or with being neat. Babies at this age are explorers. They don't realize they are making a mess. You need to be understanding and keep a sharp eye out for dangerous situations. Your baby is just doing what comes naturally--not trying to annoy you.

What's It Like To Be...?

9 Months Old

• I respond when I hear my name.
• I can stand for a short time while holding on for support.
• I imitate sounds. I can say "ma-ma" or "da-da."
• I'm very sensitive. If I see another baby crying, I'll cry too.
• I poke my fingers into places that look interesting.

10 Months Old

• I can feed myself, and I can help hold my cup when I'm drinking.
• I can pull myself up to standing and then sit down again.
• I can climb onto things like chairs.
• I understand simple sentences.
• I may still feel shy around people.

11 Months Old

• I can walk holding onto furniture or if you hold my hands.
• I can hold a pencil or crayon and make marks on things.
• I can find things that are placed under other things.
• I know that words are used to identify things.
• I use one word to express a complete thought.

12 Months Old

• I wave bye-bye.
• I may be able to walk, but crawling is faster.
• I repeat words I know.
• I make up my own words to describe things.
• I like to feed myself.
• I can climb things to reach attractive objects.

Think And Learn

• They are curious about their world and want to explore things.
• They want to taste, touch, and shake objects.
• They like to look at pictures in books and magazines.
• They know their own toys.

Grow Socially And Emotionally

• They react to a parent's approval and disapproval.
• They are sensitive to other children's moods.
• They may become anxious around strangers or people they don't see very often.
• They have favorite people and toys.

Play

• They enjoy playing peek-a-boo.
• They offer and accept toys from each other, but they don't understand the concept of sharing yet.
• They like to play "crawl and chase."
• They have a sense of humor and think that some things are funny.

• Even though I'm older now, I still need you to look after all my needs.
• Help me find a safe and secure space in which to move around. Exploring is how I learn.
• Sometimes I'm determined and stubborn, but that's all a part of my growing up.
• I have many feelings now--sadness, happiness, anger, fear, and hurt. When you treat my feelings with care, I learn how to deal with them better.
• Sometimes, I need time to get used to new situations.
• I like to be hugged for no special reason.
• I learn about the world and myself when you play with me. Please tell me what I'm touching, seeing, smelling, hearing, and feeling.
• Please respect my fears even if I'm afraid of something that didn't bother me before.
• Every baby is different. If you watch me closely, you will get clues about why I do what I do and how to help me grow.

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.