Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD, Patient Handout
9 Month Old Anticipatory Guidance

• Get down on the floor and check for hazards at baby's eye level.
• Continue to use an infant car seat until the child is one year of age.
• Continue to test the water temperature with your wrist to make sure it is not too hot before bathing the baby.
• Never leave the baby alone or with a young sibling or pet.
• Do not leave him alone in a tub of water or on high places such as changing tables, beds, sofas, or chairs. Always keep one hand on the baby.
• Continue to empty buckets, tubs, or small pools immediately after use. Ensure that swimming pools have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Continue to keep the baby's environment free of smoke. Keep the home and car nonsmoking zones.
• Do not drink hot liquids or smoke while holding the baby.
• Do not leave heavy objects or containers of hot liquids on tables with tablecloths that the baby may pull down.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun.
• Place plastic plugs in electrical sockets.
• Keep toys with small parts or other small or sharp objects out of reach.
• Keep sharp objects (e.g., scissors, knives) out of reach.
• Keep all poisonous substances, medicines, cleaning agents, health and beauty aids, and paints and paint solvents locked in a safe place out of the baby's sight and reach. Never store poisonous substances in empty jars or soda bottles. Keep Syrup of Ipecac in the home to be used as directed by the poison control center or the health professional. Keep the number of the poison control center near the telephone.
• Do not give the infant plastic bags, latex balloons, or small objects such as marbles.
• Install safety devices on drawers and cabinets where the infant may play.
• Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and place safety devices on windows. Do not use an infant walker at any age.
• Lower the crib mattress.
• Avoid dangling electrical and drapery cords. Ensure that appliances are inaccessible.
• Keep pet food and dishes out of reach. Do not permit the baby to approach the dog while the dog is eating.
• Learn child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Recognize early signs of illness: Fever, Failure to eat, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Unusual irritability, Lethargy, Petechiae, Cough, and Seizures.