Crawler: Your 10-month-old
Your baby is becoming more mobile and as a result is learning to crawl more efficiently. A few infants can actually take their first steps this early. If your baby doesn't start walking now, however, don't worry. Some babies don’t walk until after their first birthdays.
On the move
Although she may not be walking, you'll probably see her creep, climb, stand, and balance as her muscles continue to develop. As manual dexterity and fine motor control continue to improve, your baby will be able to pick up very small objects with great precision.
Your baby’s growth
At 10 months babies usually range from 26.75 inches long and 16.75 pounds (10th percentile) to 29.75 inches long and 22 pounds (90th percentile).
This month your baby may be able to:
- roll a ball to you as her social skills and interest in play continues to grow
- go from lying to sitting without any help
- show a desire to please you as she becomes even more attached to you—the trust, love and connection between your baby and you are continuing to grow
- search for a toy after watching you hide it—your baby is beginning to understand that an object exists even when she cannot see it (object permanence)
- resist being put to bed or left alone as her attachment to you grows
- remember a favorite song and laugh and smile when it's played
- express herself with gestures and sounds instead of cries
- use gibberish in a conversational way
What you can do
- Provide your baby with stacking toys: blocks, nesting boxes, and clean, empty food containers with no sharp edges.
- Try pull-toys and age-old favorite games such as peek-a-boo and pattycake.
- Give your baby books to play with and look at. Board books made of plastic or stiff cardboard are best.