9-month check-up

The 9-month check-up assesses the child’s development before the first birthday — mobility, fine motor skills, and understanding of speech. A free preventive visit.

What to expect

Assessment of readiness for first steps. The doctor will check gross and fine motor skills as well as speech development.

What the doctor checks

• Gross motor skills — Whether the baby crawls, pulls up on furniture, and stands with support.
• Fine motor skills — Whether the baby picks up objects using a pincer grasp (thumb + index finger).
• Speech — Assessment of whether the baby babbles syllables (ma-ma, da-da) and imitates sounds.
• Diet — Assessment of whether introducing solids is going well and whether the baby eats a varied diet.
• Behaviour — Separation anxiety is normal at this age — attachment is assessed.

What to ask your doctor

• Is crawling necessary for proper development?
• When should my child say their first word?
• How can I encourage self-feeding?
• Is fear of strangers normal?
• When should we get the first shoes?

Frequently asked questions