Development of a 10 Month Baby

Development of a 10 Month Baby
Photo Credit surprised baby image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com

In the first nine months of your baby's life, he has gone through tons of changes. He's gone from waking up constantly at night to sleeping through the night, and he's learned how to use his skills to explore his new world. However, when he hits 10 months, he's going to change even more and become more mobile than ever.

Prior to 10 Months

By the time your baby is 10 months old, she already has learned a lot about the things she's capable of doing. She should be able to sit up unsupported for long periods of time, and she's probably beginning to crawl. She's beginning to understand the world around her, and is slowly starting to become a toddler. At 10 months, she should be proficient in eating table foods and using a "sippy" cup.

Physical Development at 10 Months

If your baby isn't crawling yet, he should learn how to do so when he's 10 months old. He'll also learn how to pull himself up against furniture so that he can stand up. Before long, he'll be able to cruise around the house, using furniture to support him as he takes little steps. Your baby's physical development doesn't stop at his mobility, though; he may learn how to pick up items with his index finger and thumb.

Mental Development at 10 Months

You may notice your baby starting to form words at 10 months. She might say things like "ma-ma" and "da-da" and actually know what they mean. She'll also begin to understand the words you say, including "no" and her name.

Another area where your baby is developing is in her interaction with strangers. She might suddenly become afraid of strangers, instead preferring your touch. This is known as separation anxiety, and while it can be frustrating at times, it's possibly the best way she can express her love for you.

Diet at 10 Months

In his tenth month, your baby should continue to cultivate his new ability to eat table foods. He can start to eat bigger pieces of food in order to help him learn how to chew, but be careful not to give him anything that he can choke on. If your baby is formula-fed, Similac's website recommends that he should get three or four bottles a day, with seven or eight ounces in each bottle. You can try to transition him onto a sippy cup at 10 months if you want. If he doesn't take to it, you can always try again later.

After 10 Months

At 11 months, the line between baby and toddler starts to become very blurry. She might begin to take her first steps as early as 11 months, and she'll be done with formula and breast milk after a year. She'll start to develop a solid memory, which includes imitating you and everyone else she meets. From this point forth, your baby's mind will be constantly working, and she'll be practicing her new skills as often as possible.

References

Article reviewed by MER Last updated on: Aug 15, 2010

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