Is this behavior typical for a 9 month old?

[JessWier]

I'm curious if I'm just not as patient as I was 16 years ago or what but it seems here lately my LO is constantly whining or fussing or throwing one of her tantrums. "They" say that their too young to be able to throw tantrums or have anger issues but I'm starting to become a bit worried by the behaviors that she does along with the anger. I love her to death, don't get me wrong and she's adorable and has her moments when she's cute, and smiley, but usually not for very long. She doesn't seem to play with toys like I think she should and will chew or bite on everything all day, has been since she was about 2 months old. Sometimes she acts like she can't get enough and will bite hard and pull it out and shake her head real quick. (I have been wearing my hair up for over 3 months because of this) Also I noticed her shuddering (like a cold shiver in her shoulders and head) throughout the day. When she shakes something like a rattle she will sometimes shudder or make a strange face with her mouth open like a yikes with no teeth 😬 face. She also flaps her arms when she is excited and will pant sometimes. She also does this when I try to stand her up. She seems soooooo squirmy all the time and has since birth. Never sitting still. She doesn't babble or say "mama" or "dada" or "baba" just makes weird noises like loud "ahhh", grunting, screaming, and yelling. I've talked to her pediatrician and I'm going back on the 29th to mention some of my concerns but I feel like I am getting dismissed and everyone keeps telling me it's normal. I don't think it is. She still wakes up 5-9 times a night for a bottle and to be rocked back to sleep. I just want to know if anyone else has a LO that can relate or comment if not. Thanks

At 9 months I think it’s probably just too early to tell anything. Some of what you say is typical for a 9 month old.

• Putting everything in their mouth - completely normal, would expect this to start phasing out around 18 months (but 3 year olds still love eating playdoh!)
• Not playing with toys correctly - they don’t have a concept of correctly, they are just exploring. “Correct playing” is linked to imaginative play which is a 18 month old skill.
• Flapping - again normal at this age.
• Moving all the time- some babies are just like this.

The lack of babbling is late but I think it doesn’t count as delayed until 10 months. But that is definitely something to keep an eye on.

The shuddering thing - what makes it happen and can you predict it? If it’s always a similar sound, she might just not like that sound (I can’t stand cutlery clinking on china plates). Or just babies being weird. Maybe film it happening so you can show the paediatrician? (I’m guessing you are not in the UK as access to paediatricians is very limited here!)

Also, even if there is something different about your daughter, it’s unlikely there is going to be anything anyone can do about it at this point as she is too young. Just keep playing and interacting and see what has changed when she is older, probably around 18 months is the earliest anyone will take notice.

Research the best ways to help her. My main tip from my son who never babbled and now has a speech disorder is to start signing. It reduced his frustration so much and has really helped his communication skills generally.

I appreciate your input and the time you took to respond to my post. So to answer your question, she shudders/shivers randomly and seems to be when she's taking in sensory input or loud noises, quick or if you move something too fast, if she's can't get what she wants sometimes she will do it during a fit. I'm located in the US so pediatricians are everywhere but im currently waiting for her results from a developmental evaluation done by first steps. I'll let you know how that goes. She's extremely hyperactive as well.