Your Baby's
9 - 12 MONTHS TIPS
Every baby grows at their own pace.
Here are some common things parents worry about
between 3-6 months and what you can do.
Every baby grows at their own pace.
Walking &
Movement
Baby is becoming more
mobile, confident and
eager to explore.
What you can do
- Give baby safe opportunities to crawl, cruise and stand.
- Let baby practise movement naturally without rushing first steps.
- Keep floors clear of small objects and tripping hazards.
- Offer stable furniture baby can safely hold while cruising.
- Remember that every baby reaches movement milestones at their own pace.
Feeding &
Self-Feeding
Mealtimes are becoming
more independent, messy
and full of discovery.
Helpful feeding tips
- Offer a variety of suitable textures and age-appropriate foods.
- Encourage baby to practise picking up food and self-feeding.
- Let baby explore food even when mealtimes get messy.
- Offer water with meals in an age-appropriate cup.
- Always supervise baby closely while eating.
Communication
Babbling, gestures and
little reactions are all
part of early communication.
Ways to encourage language
- Talk about what you are doing during everyday routines.
- Name familiar objects, people and foods.
- Respond when baby points, babbles or tries to communicate.
- Read simple books and repeat favourite words often.
- Use gestures such as waving, clapping and pointing together.
Play &
Learning
Baby is learning how
things work through play,
repetition and imitation.
Simple ways to play
- Offer stacking, sorting and simple cause-and-effect toys.
- Let baby imitate everyday actions such as clapping or waving.
- Play hide-and-find games with familiar objects.
- Read together and let baby turn sturdy pages.
- Give baby plenty of time for free play and exploration.
Sleep &
Routines
Familiar routines can
help baby feel secure
as their days get busier.
Helpful sleep tips
- Keep bedtime routines calm and consistent.
- Watch for tired cues even as wake periods become longer.
- Developmental changes may temporarily affect sleep.
- Use familiar bedtime steps such as bath, book and quiet cuddles.
- Continue following current safe-sleep recommendations.
First Birthday
Prep
One whole year is almost
here — a beautiful milestone
worth celebrating.
Things you can plan
- Decide whether you want a simple celebration or bigger party.
- Choose a theme, cake and decorations if you are celebrating.
- Prepare baby's first birthday outfit.
- Take milestone photos to remember how much baby has grown.
- Celebrate your own journey through baby's first year too.
Remember
Your baby has changed so much in one year — and so have you. Celebrate every little milestone, but remember that development is not a race. Your baby’s journey is uniquely their own.
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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.