

She continues, "Rather than saying 'be careful,' which doesn’t provide helpful information, say things like, 'Take your time. Stay close by so you can offer verbal or physical support," recommends says Elizabeth Zack, PhD, outreach and education specialist at the University of Washington. "It can be challenging, but we need to take a step back at times and allow children to follow their curiosity, even if it might feel a bit risky to us.

Once you're sure the toy is safe, you can step back and allow them to play on their own. And, if they can fit it into their mouth entirely, avoid it altogether. Check how much a baby will need to be supervised or helped while playing with a particular toy before buying it. Magnetic objects and toys with button batteries should be avoided for babies due to their potential dangers if ingested. What to Look for in Toys for 9-Month-Olds SafetyĪt 9 months old, safety is of the utmost importance since this is the age babies love putting things in their mouths.

They can move to the objects or toys that they want to play with rather than having to wait for someone to bring toys closer to them. " At 9 months, many babies have the motor skills-crawling, pulling to stand, cruising along furniture-to explore in new ways. Their developmental milestones help them thrive, and toys that encourage movement, language skills, and social-emotional intelligence are crucial for their development. As their attention spans grow and they become more mobile, 9-month-old babies are eager to explore the world around them.
