Week 38 old
Week 38 (around 9 months): your baby is likely sitting steadily, eating real meals, and may be testing crawling or pulling up. Here's what's typical.
In short
At 38 weeks (about 9 months), many babies eat 3 solid meals a day plus 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula, sleep around 12-15 hours total with 2 naps, and are working on sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand.
🍼 Feeding
Roughly 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula across 3-4 feeds, plus about 3 solid meals a day with a variety of textures and soft finger foods. Milk is still the main nutrition source at this age.
😴 Sleep
About 12-15 hours total, usually 2 naps a day with wake windows of roughly 2.5-3.5 hours. Keep the crib bare — back to sleep, firm flat mattress, no pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies sit without support and can pivot or reach for toys without toppling.
- •Some babies are crawling, scooting, or pulling up to stand on furniture now, while others take a few more weeks — both are normal.
- •Many babies this age understand 'no,' look when you say their name, and may wave or play peekaboo.
- •Separation anxiety and stranger wariness often peak around 9 months — clinginess now is a sign of healthy attachment.
- •Pincer-grasp practice is common: many babies start picking up small bits of food with thumb and finger.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 9-month checkup, the CDC notes many babies look for objects you hide (early object permanence) and pass things from hand to hand.
- ✓Around now, many babies babble strings like 'mamama' or 'bababa' and react to their own name.
- ✓By 9 months, many babies sit without support and bear some weight on their legs when held standing — but the range is wide.
- ✓Milestones are checkpoints, not deadlines; if your baby was born early, judge progress from the due date.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Offer soft, pea-sized finger foods to build the pincer grasp, and always stay within arm's reach during meals — round foods like whole grapes and nuts are choking hazards and should be cut up or avoided.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby isn't sitting without support, doesn't respond to their name, makes no babbling sounds, has lost skills they once had, isn't gaining weight, or has fewer wet diapers, persistent vomiting, or a fever.
Frequently asked
How much should a 9-month-old eat?
Around this age, many babies have about 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula a day plus roughly 3 solid meals with soft finger foods. Milk or formula is still the primary nutrition source, with solids building skills and variety.
Is it normal for my 9-month-old not to be crawling yet?
Yes. Crawling is not a required CDC milestone, and some babies scoot, roll, or skip crawling entirely and go straight to pulling up and cruising. If your baby isn't moving to explore at all by the 9-month checkup, mention it to your pediatrician.
Why is my baby suddenly so clingy at 9 months?
Separation anxiety and stranger wariness commonly peak around 9 months. It reflects healthy attachment and your baby's growing memory. Consistent, calm goodbyes and brief practice separations usually help it ease over the coming months.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 9 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.