Cereal isn’t just for eating. At around nine months, your child is developing a pincer grip (between forefinger and thumb) which helps him pick up and examine small objects. Give him some practice — picking up Cheerios is interesting and safe (because he will put them in his mouth).

Peekaboo will still delight your child, and now that he’s moving, you can add a game of hide-and-seek or chase (“I’m gonna getcha!”).

Playdates The ability to play with another child and share toys comes later. At this stage, kids mostly do their own thing, but may stop to watch someone else at play.

A cardboard box is a time-honoured toy: fun for sitting in, filling up and pushing around.

Your child may like to stand at a coffee table and play with cars or animals (even before he’s a steady walker). It’s fun to be upright; it’s a new perspective on the world.

As a beginning walker, your child needs his hands free to balance, but as he gets more proficient he’ll enjoy sturdy push and pull toys like shopping carts, lawn mowers and small wagons.

Play ball! All that practice walking builds your child’s lower body strength — a game of ball is good for her upper body. Sit with your legs open, across from each other, and roll the ball back and forth. At around 18 months, your child may want to stand and throw the ball overhand at you — she’ll catch a big beach ball with both arms out wide (and her eyes closed).

Climbing — oh, yes! From the time some babies are mobile, they crave going up in the world. You’ll want to provide a safe climber (under close supervision). Otherwise, he’ll climb onto table, chairs and fridge.

Pretend play begins around this time and focuses on everyday activities. Your child might stir an empty pot and offer you some soup. Provide props like plastic dishes, baby dolls and carriers, a child-sized table and chairs or a kitchen playset.

Books are not just for reading. Your child will like to hold the book and turn the pages while you read — this helps strengthen little fingers too. Favourite reads for children this age? Books with pictures of babies doing everyday things.

There’s a whole world to discover! The uncertain baby steps of a few months ago are gone, and your child is a good walker now; not only that, she can run and climb too. She’s ready to explore and everything is so interesting! She has some words and wants to know many more — by 36 months, she can put three words together in a little sentence. She can walk on her tiptoes, gallop like a pony and dance like a ballerina — but there will still be spills. She’s delighted when you tell her stories, and laughs at silly words and rhymes. She loves to be a part of family fun, and she’s fun to be around.