Baby week by week · 9–12 months · 9–10 months: communicating

Your baby at 40 weeks

From Brittany Ryan, Founder and Mom of Two

What’s happening at about 9 months

Gestures, babble, facial expressions and reaching help your baby communicate before clear words arrive. They may imitate sounds or actions and look for your reaction. A child can develop quickly in one area while taking more time in another.

What’s ahead

Pointing, waving and understanding familiar words may become more consistent. Bring questions or any loss of skills to your child's healthcare professional.

A memory to keep this week

The way they ask to be picked up

Safety first

Use close adult supervision for every activity. For sleep, follow current safe-sleep guidance and use a firm, flat approved surface. Keep small parts, cords, button batteries and magnets out of reach.

In the app this week

Try this together: Reach-and-request, plus this week's memory prompts, a private journal and your Journey, quick logs for firsts like asked to be picked up and recognized a word. One simple idea at a time, never 47.

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Guided by: CDC milestones + AAP (HealthyChildren.org) + CPSC, written in Brittany's words.

Every pregnancy and every baby is different. This is general, educational information, not medical advice. If something worries you, check with your provider or pediatrician.

Meet our founder

Brittany Ryan

Founder and Mom of Two

Brittany is a mom of two with a background in early childhood development. Little by Little Together began with a beautiful, blank baby book. Like so many parents, she bought baby books with every intention of filling them; instead, they sat in a closet while life kept moving. So she built a personal assistant for parenthood that tells you what matters right now, offers one simple idea at a time, and keeps your story safe.

“You don’t have to remember everything at once. Little by little, there is a story worth keeping.”

Read Brittany's story

Founding 500 · applications open until Mother's Day 2027

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