10 Month Old Baby
BabyWhat to expect from 10 months 0 days to 10 months 30 days.
Welcome to Month 10. Your baby is becoming increasingly independent, active, and determined. Many parents find themselves constantly amazed by how quickly their little baby is transforming into a toddler. Movement, communication, and problem-solving skills are all developing rapidly. This month often feels busy, exciting, and sometimes exhausting.
Sleep
12–15 hours/day
Feeding
Breast milk or formula plus a wide variety of finger foods and self-feeding
Major milestone
Cruising confidently along furniture; pointing to communicate
Physical development
- check_circleCruising confidently along furniture — walking sideways while holding on
- check_circleStanding for longer periods and moving between pieces of furniture
- check_circleSome babies briefly letting go and balancing independently
- check_circleFine motor skills improving — picking up tiny objects, turning board book pages, placing objects into containers
Brain development
- check_circleUnderstanding simple instructions, familiar words, and common routines
- check_circleUsing pointing to share interests as well as to request things — an important communication milestone
- check_circleProblem-solving independently — reaching hidden toys, opening simple containers, finding ways around obstacles
- check_circleDeveloping a sense of humor — deliberately silly behavior and attempts to make others laugh
Social development
- check_circleStrongly attached to favourite caregivers — excitement when familiar people return
- check_circleFollowing family members from room to room
- check_circleSeeking comfort from familiar people in new situations
Communication
- check_circleConstant babbling with copying of sounds
- check_circleWaving goodbye, clapping hands, and using gestures alongside sounds
- check_circleCommunication now involving both sounds and body language
- check_circleMany parents surprised by how much their baby understands
What parents may notice
- check_circleYour baby has a mission — crawling everywhere, opening cabinets, investigating objects, and following family members all day
- check_circleMore problem-solving — figuring out how to reach hidden toys, open simple containers, and find ways around obstacles
- check_circleFavourite people becoming very important — excitement when you return, following you everywhere, seeking comfort from familiar faces
- check_circleA growing sense of humor — deliberately silly behavior, repeated games, and attempts to make others laugh
Monthly checklist
- Encourage cruising and standing
- Continue reading every day
- Support self-feeding
- Review babyproofing
- Take monthly photos
- Celebrate new communication skills
Frequently asked questions
Should my baby be walking yet?
Some babies walk at ten months, while many perfectly healthy babies do not walk until much later. There is a very wide range of normal.
Why does my baby follow me everywhere?
Attachment and curiosity are both very strong at this age — you are their favourite person and their safe base.
Is it normal for my baby to refuse certain foods?
Yes. Food preferences often become stronger during this stage and change frequently throughout childhood.
Why is my baby constantly opening things?
Exploration and problem-solving are major developmental tasks right now — it is a sign of healthy curiosity and growing intelligence.
Looking ahead
Next month brings even more independence. Many babies become expert cruisers, understand more words, use more gestures, and may begin taking their first independent steps. Your baby's first birthday is now just around the corner.