What social development milestone can typically be seen in a 9-month-old?

A 9-month-old typically displays the milestone of showing stranger anxiety. At this age, infants begin to develop strong attachments to their primary caregivers and may show signs of distress when approached by unfamiliar individuals. This behavior is an important part of social development, as it reflects the child’s growing awareness of social relationships and their ability to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar people.

While clapping hands is a significant achievement but may not consistently occur until around 10-12 months of age, stranger anxiety is a typical behavior observed in many 9-month-olds and indicates the child’s developing social and emotional skills. Other milestones such as responding to their own name or smiling at caregivers usually develop earlier, around 6-8 months. Recognizing the emergence of stranger anxiety helps caregivers understand their child’s emotional development and the necessary socialization strategies needed during this stage.