Around 8–9 months, your baby is becoming a confident little mover and an eager eater. They’re exploring their surroundings in new ways—pulling up to stand, cruising along furniture, and practicing more precise movements with their hands.
This is also when solids become a true part of their diet, complementing milk as they transition toward more complex meals.
What’s Happening with Your Baby in Weeks 33–36?
Pulling to stand. Your baby may stand while holding onto furniture, and some may start “cruising” sideways.
Fine motor skills improve. They can pick up smaller pieces of food with their fingers (pincer grasp).
Waving, clapping, and pointing. Early gestures begin as a way of communicating.
Babbling sounds like real speech. You might hear strings of syllables like “mamama” or “dadada,” even if they don’t have meaning yet.
Separation anxiety peaks. They may fuss more when you leave the room, but this is a normal part of their development.
Your baby is building both physical strength and emotional attachment, and they’re learning how to express it.
Feeding: Structuring Meals
At this age, solids become more routine, but breastmilk or formula is still important.
A typical day may include:
2–3 solid meals plus snacks if needed.
Variety of textures—from mashed foods to soft finger foods.
Protein-rich options like soft fish, shredded chicken, beans, lentils, or tofu.
Iron-rich foods are still key at this stage.
Encourage self-feeding with small, soft pieces they can pick up. This helps develop independence and fine motor skills.
Expanding Flavors
Now is a great time to offer a wide range of tastes and textures:
Soft cooked vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, and squash.
Soft fruits like berries (cut into tiny pieces), mango, or melon.
Whole grains like quinoa, couscous, or small pasta shapes.
Dairy options like plain yogurt or grated mild cheese (if tolerated).
Avoid honey (until after 12 months), whole nuts (choking hazard), and added salt or sugar.
Poop Changes
With more solid food, diapers look more like “real food output”:
Firmer, sometimes chunkier texture as digestion matures.
Colors reflect what they eat—green after spinach, orange after sweet potato.
Occasional constipation can happen; offer water or fiber-rich foods like pears and prunes.
Movement and Safety
This stage is very active.
Cruising babies may start letting go of furniture briefly.
Some will start to stand independently for a few seconds.
Baby-proofing becomes critical—secure furniture, block stairs, and remove hazards.
Provide safe spaces for movement and exploration.
Sleep During This Stage
Most babies at this age are on 2 naps per day with longer awake windows.
Night sleep can improve, but new motor skills sometimes cause temporary wake-ups.
Separation anxiety can lead to brief protesting at bedtime—gentle reassurance helps.
Consistency and calm bedtime routines remain key.
Playtime and Learning
Play now involves more imitation and problem-solving:
Simple stacking toys or nesting cups.
Board books with textures or flaps to lift.
Songs with clapping or gestures, like “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Soft balls or toys that roll to encourage crawling and cruising.
Your baby is watching your actions closely—modeling simple behaviors like waving or clapping helps them learn.
A Gentle Reminder
Weeks 33–36 are full of physical growth and new skills. Your baby is learning how to move through the world and communicate with you in small but meaningful ways.
It’s a busy, curious, and sometimes clingy stage, but it’s also one of the most rewarding as you see their personality shine through.
What’s Coming Next?
Weeks 37–40 will bring the big 9–10 month milestones—more confident cruising, maybe even first steps for some babies, and more structured meals with a variety of textures. We’ll also touch on how to transition toward a family meal routine.