Acting Intelligently
Naturally, you think your baby is a genius. Every new parent does. But until now, your smart little cookie didn't have what the experts call intelligence. Meaning the ability to solve a problem by figuring out an effective response to a new situation.

Watch your nine–month–old when he encounters a problem. For example, what does he do when you "disappear" behind an obstacle such as a couch? He wants to play with you. But the couch blocks his path. A few months ago, he could only cry. This month, clues like the sound of your voice help him find a solution. He crawls around the couch and smiles triumphantly.

"Mama" and "Dada"
As far as babies are concerned, "baby talk" is serious business. That's part of why it's so funny to parents. Your baby may be babbling, but he seems to think he's making perfect sense.

Your baby has been mimicking adult speech patterns for weeks, combining vowel sounds (ah, uh) and consonant sounds (da, na). This month he will start making more combinations that sound like words ("mama," "dada"). Eventually he'll make a connection between the words and the objects they refer to.

When will he start making perfect sense? When he starts calling you Mama.

Gaining Control over Relationships
A nine–month–old is worlds away from a six–month–old. Both socially and emotionally. Your baby will rely on his advanced motor and cognitive skills this month to get the attention he craves. He'll reach out his arms and demand to be held. Insist on sharing your food. Crawl happily toward you when you walk in the door.

Your baby has a new feeling of control over his relationships and interactions. Sometimes this makes life difficult for Mom and Dad. Why sit still for a diaper change when playing is so much more fun?

Brain Teaser
Did you know...
…you can help your baby's brain develop by exposing him to interesting experiences, toys and games?