Your Baby's
6 - 9 MONTHS TIPS
Every baby grows at their own pace. Here are some common things parents worry about between 6–9 months and what you can do.
Starting
Solids
Mealtimes are a whole
new adventure for baby
during this stage.
Helpful feeding tips
- Start solids when baby shows signs of developmental readiness.
- Begin with small amounts and let baby explore new tastes and textures.
- Introduce foods gradually while continuing breast milk or formula feeds.
- Always supervise baby closely during meals.
- Speak with your healthcare professional if you have feeding or allergy concerns.
Crawling &
Movement
Baby may be sitting,
rolling or beginning to
move around independently.
Encouraging movement
- Give baby plenty of supervised floor time to practise moving.
- Place favourite toys slightly out of reach to encourage reaching and movement.
- Some babies crawl during this stage while others find different ways to move.
- Keep the play area clear, comfortable and safe for exploration.
- Remember that every baby develops at their own pace.
Sleep &
Routine
A familiar routine can
help make sleep time feel
calmer and more predictable.
Helpful sleep tips
- Keep bedtime routines simple and consistent where possible.
- Look for sleepy cues and try to avoid letting baby become overtired.
- Developmental changes can sometimes temporarily affect sleep.
- Keep nighttime feeds and changes quiet and low-stimulation.
- Continue following current safe-sleep recommendations.
Play &
Learning
Baby learns through
touching, grabbing, dropping
and exploring everything.
Simple play ideas
- Offer toys with different shapes, textures and gentle sounds.
- Stacking, knocking down and transferring objects can be fascinating to baby.
- Read simple picture books and point to familiar objects.
- Let baby safely explore toys using their hands and mouth.
- Everyday play is an important part of learning and development.
Communication &
Connection
Baby may be babbling,
laughing and responding
more to familiar voices.
Ways to connect
- Respond to baby’s babbles as though you are having a conversation.
- Name familiar people, toys and everyday objects.
- Read picture books together and point out what you see.
- Play simple social games such as peekaboo.
- Give baby plenty of smiles, eye contact and opportunities to interact.
Baby-Proofing
Your Home
Once baby starts moving,
the whole house suddenly
becomes interesting.
Things to check
- Move small objects and choking hazards away from baby’s reach.
- Secure cupboards, drawers and furniture where appropriate.
- Keep cords, medicines and cleaning products safely out of reach.
- Check sharp furniture corners around baby’s play areas.
- Reassess your home regularly as baby becomes more mobile.
Remember
Between 6 and 9 months, baby may seem to learn something new almost every day. Give them plenty of safe opportunities to explore, play and practise new skills without worrying about comparing their progress with other babies.
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This guide is for general information only. Speak with your healthcare
professional if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding, sleep,
health, growth or development.