Your Baby Week 37
At this age, your little one is probably smiling and flirting with everyone they come into contact with and is most likely ready for more complex interactions than just waving and smiling. Peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake are great games to introduce to your 9-month-old if you haven’t already! Not only will they enjoy the attention and interaction, games like pat-a-cake give them an opportunity to work on their coordination.
Right-handed or Left-handed?
Your baby may start off using both hands equally, but at some point, they will begin showing a preference for one hand over another and this preference might switch from hand to hand. This is a time of exploration and as they learn which hand feels best for them, it’s most important that you allow them to explore their options independently and don’t choose a hand for them. Chances are they will eventually choose their right hand anyway, as almost 70% of the population is right-handed.
Stranger Anxiety
Though many children this age enjoy interacting with anyone and everyone, from siblings to people in the supermarket, at this age some children do express fear of strangers. They may even express fear of people they were once comfortable with, like grandparents, aunts and uncles.
This is completely normal! In fact, it shows that they consider being near you a safe space where they can be sure to receive love and support. If your infant does show this wariness of strangers, it’s important that you don’t pressure her “not to be shy.” In time, they will pass through this phase just like all the others, and it’s best that they do it in their own time.
During this phase however, you should probably give visitors a heads up so they don’t take it personally if she bursts into tears when they try to come near her. If they want to get into her good graces, it’s best not to try to pick her up and play with her right away. Instead, suggest that they get down to her level and offer her a toy or talk to her while she is still secure in your lap. This should slowly ease her apprehension.
No Teeth?
If your child hasn’t cut their first tooth yet, don’t worry, it should happen soon. In the meantime, they can use their gums to mash up their meals!
