10 month old baby milestones: Development, growth, speech, language, and more

When your little one reaches the 10 month mark, you can expect a flurry of significant milestones. From their first steps to the blossoming of their social and emotional skills, this period is filled with exciting developments. In this blog post, we’ll look at the essential milestones, including physical and social development, that many 10 month olds are achieving. We’ll also provide you with a handy checklist, invaluable development tips, and discuss potential red flags to ensure your baby is progressing on track.

Editor's Note:

Keep in mind that whenever we’re discussing babies and development, we’ll be using their adjusted age as opposed to their actual age. It’s also important to recognize that babies develop on a continuum, and some may reach these milestones sooner or later than others. If you have any concerns about development, it’s always best to have a conversation with your trusted healthcare provider.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

10 month old baby milestones at a glance

By the time your baby reaches 10 months, they are in the midst of a fascinating transformation:

Development: Between 8 - 12 months, many babies are able to move in and out of several positions to explore their environment. This may include crawling, moving from a lying down position to sitting, pulling themselves into a standing position, maintaining a standing position with or without support, and walking [, , ]. Fine motor skills are also developing enabling them to pick up smaller objects more precisely. Socially and emotionally speaking, your baby is likely able to clearly show their emotions and they may display (they start to understand that they're separate from the person they depend on for care and safety).

Sleep: At 10 months of age most babies need at least 11 hours of sleep at night with two predictable naps each day. It's normal for your little one to wake and resettle during the night. Usually, 10 month olds don't need to call for their parents throughout the night if all of their needs have been met and they have practice falling asleep on their own without help (e.g. being rocked or fed to sleep). While most babies this age don’t need night feedings, we do find that an early morning feeding may help extend night sleep in some cases. You can read more about 10 month olds and sleep

Feeding: Breastmilk and/or formula should provide the majority of the nutrients at this age []. By 10 months of age, your baby may be eating and enjoying a variety of solid foods while continuing to consume breastmilk and/or formula as an essential part of their diet as well. That may look like 2 - 3 solid food meals a day as well as 3 - 5 nursing sessions or bottles.

Babies are often capable of using an an open cup and can finger-feed themselves. Some 10 month olds may even be ready to start self-feeding with utensils. You can visit our blog for lots of information on feeding your baby

10 month development milestones

Physical development between 8 - 12 months

Gross motor skills

Reaching: Around 10 months of age your baby may be able to transition in and out of various positions to explore their environment and reach their favorite toys. Once your baby spots their favorite toy, it won’t take them long to get from their belly to their hands and knees to go check it out!

Sitting: Your baby may be able to sit without using their hands for support.

Throwing: They also may be able to throw objects (watch out for flying toys).

Balance: Little ones may be able to turn their head from side to side and play with their toys without toppling over!

Standing: Your baby may be able to pull themselves up into a standing position. Many parents will notice their babies pull up on their crib rails to stand. This is the time to lower that crib mattress to the lowest setting to keep your baby safe if you haven’t done so already!

There is always a spectrum with physical development. Little ones may be able to maintain a standing position independently. Don’t be alarmed if your baby’s posture looks different from your own! It’s typical for babies to stand with their back swayed; belly protruding and rear end sticking out. This posture helps them keep their balance until they become more skilled and confident!

Crawling and walking: Your baby might be crawling proficiently or even taking their first steps with or without assistance. Once they take their first steps you may notice their feet are turned out instead of pointing straight ahead. This is typical and due to a baby’s loose hip ligaments that will be tightening up over the upcoming months. You might also notice the bottom of your baby’s feet look pretty flat. In the upcoming years, as their feet develop, arches will appear.

Fine motor skills

Pincer grasp: At the age of 10 months, fine motor skills are improving allowing your baby to pick up smaller objects with precision. They’ll be using these skills at playtime and mealtime alike. They may be developing their pincer grasp [] at this age (being able to use their thumb and pointer fingers to pick up objects and then release them).

Communication

Imitation: At 10 months babies exhibit a range of vocalizations including different vowel sounds. They are able to imitate sounds and actions as part of their learning process.

Babbling: You may notice that their babbling has a sound and rhythm similar to actual speech, though you probably won’t be able to understand what they’re saying. Some babies will start to say one or two words and can meaningfully use “mama” and/or “dada”.

Simple directions: Many can respond to “no,” simple directions such as “come here,” and their own name.

Gestures: They’re paying attention to where you look and may be able to point and their wants and needs. They may stretch their hands up towards you when they want to be picked up or point to the food on the counter when they’re hungry.

Social development between 8 - 12 months

Emotional development

Separation anxiety: At 10 months of age, you’ll notice your baby’s growing attachment to you and possibly other familiar caregivers. This attachment can result in separation anxiety and preferences for particular caregivers over others. It also means they are easily comforted by your cuddling and physical touch and that they feel safe with you.

Expressing emotions: Babies this age are typically able to clearly express their emotions such as happiness, frustration, and excitement. They may be generally happy except when they’re tired or hungry.

Play

Exploration: 10 month old babies are highly curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Because of their improved mobility, they’re able to investigate their environments more independently. They’ll be drawn to objects and will use their developing motor skills to reach for, touch, and manipulate them.

Games: They love engaging in games like peek-a-boo and patty cake, especially with their favorite people. They enjoy listening to music, banging on musical toys, and banging on anything that can produce a musical sound like your pots and pans.

Sensory: They enjoy playing with a variety of textures.

Vestibular system stimulation: 10 month olds love to move and enjoy different types of movement such as playing on a swing or being gently swung in the air by their caregivers.

Object permanence: Babies this age will look for items they know you have hidden. This phenomenon is called object permanence. They know the object they want is there somewhere, but where did it go?

10 month milestones checklist

It's essential to understand that babies follow a developmental spectrum, and the timing of reaching these milestones can vary among individuals. The developments below typically occur between 8 - 12 months of age. If you have any concerns about your child's development, it's best to engage in a conversation with your baby’s healthcare provider.

Sits without support while throwing objects and turning their head.
Transitions in and out of various positions to explore and obtain their favorite toys.
Pulls to a standing position and cruises along the furniture.
Stands independently and may take a few steps with or without help.
Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up tiny objects and is able to release them into a container with a wide opening.
Explores objects with curiosity.
Imitates sounds and babbles.
Responds to simple directions, “no,” and their name.
Looks where you point.
Demonstrates attachment to caregivers.
Engages in simple games like peek-a-boo, patty cake, and banging on musical instruments.
Begins to express emotions more distinctly.
Responds to your smile with a smile.

10 development tips for 10 month olds

Tip #1: Exploration sensation

Let’s go on a toy hunt! Place some toys up along the edge of your couch and then hunt for all of the objects together while your baby cruises along the couch. Have them hand you each toy as they find it. You can even hide a few toys under a blanket while they watch you to help them work on their object permanence skills. Each time they hand you an object cheer them on and once they’ve found them all… Celebrate!

Tip #2: Tiny tot teeter

Your baby may be getting ready to walk on their own soon but they need steady standing balance first! While your baby is standing without holding onto anything, give them their favorite toy to play with. You can even have them pass a favorite toy back and forth with you!

Tip #3: Musical mayhem

Turn your home into a musical wonderland. If you don’t have any musical toys grab your pots and pans and bang away with a variety of kitchen spoons. Sing your heart out and encourage your little one to join!

Tip #4: Baby talk

Engage in regular conversations with your baby. Describe objects, actions, and emotions. Don’t forget to respond to their babbling. Even if you can’t understand exactly what they’re saying, this back-and-forth communication will teach them so much about language and conversation!

Tip #5: Obstacle course extravaganza

Support their physical development by setting up a baby obstacle course using pillows and toys and then help your baby navigate to the finish line via crawling, cruising, climbing, and maybe even taking a few assisted steps. It’s like a ninja warrior course for babies! If you notice them trying to take some steps, offer them support through their rib cage as opposed to holding their hands. This helps to develop their core muscles needed for balance and mobility.

Tip #6: Routine is key

Consistency provides stability and security for your baby. Create a daily routine for meals, sleep, and playtime. Narrate the routine as you move through your day so your baby understands what they’re supposed to be doing and what’s coming next!

Tip #7: Meal time marvel

Introduce a variety of nutritious foods in suitable textures to support their growth and development. This is a great time to incorporate eating as a family so your baby can see what healthy eating habits and family time mean to your family.

Tip #8: Don’t hesitate, have a playdate

Arrange playdates with other children to foster social skills and interactions with peers. If you don’t know many other babies, bring a picnic to the park. You’re sure to bump into other babies and children of all ages. It’s outdoor time and social interaction all rolled into one!

Tip #9: Story time spectacular

Gather your baby’s favorite stuffed animals and toys and get ready to do your best reading-aloud performance. Let your baby help by pointing at pictures and assisting with the page-turning. Vary the sound of your voice to mimic how the different characters would sound. It’s never too early to instill a love of reading and books!

Tip #10: Sensational sensory play

Create a sensory bin by filling a shallow container with colorful scarves and baby safe objects. Let your little one dig, squish, and explore the different textures. It’s a tactile adventure!

Takeaway

The 10 month mark in your baby’s life is filled with incredible developments. As they become more mobile and expressive, their world expands at a rapid pace. However, remember that every child develops uniquely and at their own pace. These milestones serve as general guidelines and it’s perfectly normal if your baby doesn’t achieve them all right now. As long as your baby is moving, playing, and interacting with their environment, even if they seem a little behind their peers, they’re probably right on track!

Monitor your child’s progress, and if you notice significant delays or red flags, consult with our pediatrician. Early intervention (available in the US) can make a substantial difference in addressing developmental concerns.

If you're curious about what lies ahead in the coming month, glimpse into the future to see what you might experience once your baby is . Also look back at how far they've come by checking out milestones.

10 month old development milestones FAQ

Q: What should a 10 month old be able to do?

At 10 months old your baby may be able to crawl, sit unsupported while playing, show signs of pulling to stand, and possibly take some initial steps with or without some help. Babies this age are also able to more clearly show emotions and engage in games such as peek-a-boo and patty cake. Your 10 month old may also be curious about their environment and be adept at manipulating small objects. Remember that babies develop on a continuum and that some babies may reach these milestones sooner or later than others.

Q: What are 10 month old development red flags?

Missing one or two abilities is no cause for alarm! However, if your 10 month old is not able to sit unsupported, hold up their head, and isn’t showing any signs of pulling to stand, or has lost skills they once had, it’s a good idea to check in with your trusted healthcare providers [6, 7]. Lack of making or mimicking sounds or not engaging in interactive games is also a cause to reach out to your pediatrician. From a feeding perspective, if your baby is having difficulty and/or refusing to eat solid foods or refuses certain textures, it’s also a good idea to speak with your healthcare providers. Not gaining weight and/or the inability to make and hold eye contact would be additional red flags warranting communication with your doctor.

Q: What does a 10 month old understand?

Your 10 month old can grasp basic emotions in others such as responding to your smiles with a smile of their own. Many 10 month olds will turn their head or react when they hear their own name. They also may be able to understand simple and familiar words and phrases such as “mommy” and “daddy,” “wave bye-bye” or even “come here.”

Q: How to help a 10 month old reach milestones?

The key to helping your child achieve their milestones is to provide a safe environment for them to practice while having lots of fun. Offer play in both structured and open-ended formats! You can help them work on standing, cruising, and walking by encouraging them to explore their environment, cheering for them when they finally take that first step, and showing them that they can try again if they fall down.

Q: What milestones should a 10 month old have for a pediatric visit?

At your 9 and 12 month pediatrician visits, your doctor will want to see that your baby is growing and developing as expected. They may ask you questions or even have you play with your baby during the visit so they can observe that your baby is able to sit without support, smile and react to your facial expressions, is generally happy and comforted by their parents/caregivers when they’re upset, and is showing signs of being ready to pull to stand and walk. Your pediatrician may also ask if your baby is able to feed themselves.

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.