Introduction: The Interesting World of 10-Month-Olds

We have a 10-month-old baby, and we’ve experienced some wonderful moments along the way. Raising a 10-month-old is an incredible journey filled with joy, curiosity, and growth. At this stage, your baby is exploring their environment with newfound independence and is rapidly developing mental and physical skills. There’s a lot to know during this period—here are 10 things every parent should know to help make this time enjoyable.

Physical Growth: Crawling, Standing, and Maybe Walking

By 10 months, most babies are crawling confidently (my baby does, too) and may start pulling themselves up to stand, using pillows or their parents’ hands for support. Some might even take their first steps, depending on their development.

• What to Expect
  Your baby is building leg strength and coordination. Be prepared for lots of tumbles as they explore.
• How to Support Them
  Create a safe space for exploration. Use furniture with rounded edges and consider baby-proofing areas they frequently use

Fine Motor Skills: Mastering the Pincer Grip

Your 10-month-old is likely refining their pincer grip, wanting to grab anything and everything, and can pick up small objects between their thumb and forefinger.

• What to Expect
  They will grab snacks, toys, and almost anything within reach.
• How to Support Them
  Offer safe objects for them to practice with, like soft blocks or baby-friendly snacks.

Language Development: Babbling with Meaning

At this stage, your baby’s babbling might start sounding more like words, with “mama” or “dada” becoming clearer. Every day, they learn something new, which is a wonderful experience for parents.

• What to Expect
  Your baby may understand simple signs like “yes” or “come here” and may even shake their head or move their body along with you.
• How to Support Them
  Talk to them frequently, say learning words, narrate your actions, and respond enthusiastically to their attempts at communication.

Emotional Growth: Separation Anxiety Rises

Your baby may become sensitive about being separated from you. Separation anxiety is common around this age as your baby becomes more attached.

• What to Expect
  They may get upset and cry when you leave the room or when you don’t give them your full attention, even briefly.
• How to Support Them
  Play with them or leave an item with them. They may become more interested and comforted when you’re away.

Sleep Patterns: Routine Changes

Some babies wake up frequently at night (including mine), and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are fully awake. There are many reasons they wake up, such as being uncomfortable or waking up after urinating. Many babies still wake during the night at 10 months, while others might begin sleeping longer stretches.

• What to Expect
  Nap schedules may shift, with most babies taking 2-4 naps a day.
• How to Support Them
  Ensure your baby is not hungry, and establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal that it’s time to wind down.

Feeding: Introducing Their Palate

Your baby is likely trying a variety of solid foods alongside breast milk or formula.

• What to Expect
  Their taste preferences are developing, and they may start showing interest in every food that they see.
• How to Support Them
  Introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts. Encourage self-feeding with soft, bite-sized pieces.

Teething: Managing Discomfort

Many 10-month-old babies are cutting teeth, which can cause irritability and discomfort.

• What to Expect
  Swollen gums, broken sleep at night, and the need to chew on everything.
• How to Support Them
  Offer teething rubber toys or soft washcloths for comfort. Avoid giving hard objects that could hurt their gums.

Social Development: Interaction & Familiarity

It’s important to interact with your baby and introduce them to new faces, as this helps them grow and develop quickly.

• What to Expect
  They may see and interact with others, clap their hands, or wave hello and goodbye.
• How to Support Them
  Go outside and interact with other babies and family members to enhance their social skills.

Cognitive Skills: Cause and Effect

At 10 months, your baby is beginning to understand simple cause-and-effect relationships. They are more likely to understand these concepts.

• What to Expect
  They show interest in toys and other objects that make noise or respond to their actions.
• How to Support Them
  Give them toys like stacking cups, rubber toys, musical instruments, and pop-up toys to stimulate their curiosity.

Parental Self-Care: You’re Doing Great!

More specifically, if you are a father, you should care for your baby’s mom just as much as the baby and give her rest or other support. If she can rest properly, it may even help increase breast milk production. This age is not only about your baby’s development—it’s also about your growth as parents.

• What to Expect
  You might feel tired, or your mood may fluctuate at times, and that’s normal.
• How to Support Yourself
  Lean on your support system, prioritize rest when possible, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Experience

The 10-month mark is a time for experiencing, learning, and love. By understanding these key milestones and challenges, you can confidently guide your baby through this remarkable stage of development. Celebrate every small victory and joy, and remember that every baby grows at their own pace.