The nurse is assessing a 9-month-old boy for a well-baby check-up. Which of the following observations would be of most concern?
A. The baby cannot say “mama” when he wants his mother.
B. The mother has not given him finger foods.
C. The child does not sit unsupported.
D. The baby cries whenever the mother goes out.
Correct Answer: C. The child does not sit unsupported.
Over 90% percent of babies can sit unsupported by nine months. At 4 months, a baby typically can hold his/her head steady without support, and at 6 months, he/she begins to sit with a little help. At 9 months he/she sits well without support, and gets in and out of a sitting position but may require help.
Option A: Most babies cannot say “mama” in the sense that it refers to their mother at this time. Generally, children begin to babble from around the age of six months and say their first words between ten and 15 months (most start speaking at about 12 months). They then begin to pick up increasing numbers of words and start to combine them into simple sentences after around 18 months.
Option B: As they get older, parents can introduce new foods to their diet. From 9 to 12 months old, the baby needs approximately 750–900 calories every day. Between 400 and 500 of those calories should come from breast milk or formula. The remaining calories will come from food.
Option D: Although some babies display object permanence and separation anxiety as early as 4 to 5 months of age, most develop more robust separation anxiety at around 9 months. The leave-taking can be worse if the infant is hungry, tired, or not feeling well. Keep transitions short and routine if it’s a tough day.