9 months in… 9 months out… Once they are out, they are growing so fast you don’t even realize it. Before you know it, they are recognizing, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking and time does not stop.

My Munchkin has started crawling and sitting by herself around the same time. Crawling came first and a few days later she started sitting unaided as well. She has been on the go from the time she started crawling, exited about being able to explore things on her own. You can tell she is enjoying being able to move about independently.

We have moved her to a highchair for her meals. Though, Montessori encourages the use of a Weaning table we decided to use a highchair gifted to her for sometime before moving her to the table.

With each passing month, there is more that we can do with our Munchkins.

Pincer Movements

Around this time, children start their pincer movements (index finger and thumb). We can provide them with things like finger food, thin slices of bread, thin slices of fruit and anything your Munchkin likes which is easy for them to pick up and hold.  The pincer movement is one of the foundation for preparation to writing.

Bar on wall

Once your Munchkin is sitting / crawling, you can sit a bar into the ball. This should be about 2 to 3 cm from the wall so that they can hold it. It should be around the chest height of your Munchkin. You can also put a mirror behind the bar. This encourages the baby to pull himself to stand and also develops gross motor movements. We, unfortunately, did not have the space to do this but I do highly recommend it.

Ottoman / Small Stool

This is another option that can be used to encourage standing. A small stool or ottoman, around the stomach height of your Munchkin can be kept in their play area. It is important to make sure that the stool / ottoman is heavy and stable so that it does not turn over when they try pulling themselves up with it.

Basket of balls

A basket with 5 to 6 balls of different sizes and textures. This should be given to the to explore. They can kick, roll them, chase it, feel with their hands, anything as they wish.  This again develops gross motor movements.

Music box

Children love music so any kind of music box is recommended. When I say any kind, I mean more related to instrumental music and soft soothing sounds.

Books

Books should be a part of your Munchkin’s life from birth (or pregnancy). At this stage, have a basket of books that he can choose from. Soft cloth books are the best at this age. Alternately, hardbound books that do not have sharp edges should be used,

DIY Colourful Soft Blocks

These are very simple to make and your Munchkin will love using them. My Munckin has been playing with them for more than 6 months. These are good to give as first blocks to your baby. The commercial ones can be given a little later.

To make the Soft Blocks, cut out sponge in square / rectangle shapes – try keeping them around the same size. Then, cover each one and stitch cloth over each of them in your primary, secondary and tertiary colours. If you can arrange cloth of material, that would be even better. Give these to your Munchkin to play with, they can observe them, build with them, chew on them and do lots more.

Colours – Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, Pink, Brown, Orange, Grey, Black and White.

Have you tried making Soft Blocks for your Munchkin? Did he / she enjoy playing with them? Share your experience with us.