10-Month-Old Baby: Development and Growth Characteristic

One minute, they’re gnawing on a teething toy, and the next, they’re halfway across the room, plotting their escape with a mischievous grin. Sound familiar? If you’ve got a 10-month-old at home, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

At this stage, your baby is part tiny scientist, part fearless adventurer, and part snack thief (seriously, where did that cracker come from?). They’re figuring out how the world works, one wobble, giggle, and spaghetti-covered face at a time.

But with all this excitement comes a whole lot of questions. Should they be crawling by now? Are they supposed to be babbling non-stop, or is it okay if they’re more of a silent observer? And, most importantly, will they ever stop launching their sippy cup onto the floor just to see you pick it up? (spoiler: no, not anytime soon)

If these thoughts have been running through your mind, you’re at the right place. Let’s walk through what’s happening with your little one’s development at 10 months. What’s typical, what’s totally normal even if it doesn’t match the books, and how you can support them without losing your sanity.

What to expect?

At this stage, your baby is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and, let’s be honest, a sprinkle of mischief. You might be feeling a mix of pride and panic as you watch them reach new milestones. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed! 

Today, we will help you to know a little better about your 10 months old baby! We will discuss their expected development at this stage and how you can support them. Here is what we are going to learn today:

Physical development

One moment, they’re happily sitting and playing, and the next, they’re speed-crawling toward the most “off-limits” thing in the room. At 10 months, babies are mastering movement, testing their balance, and grabbing everything in sight.

10 month old milestones in physical development:

  • Crawling like a pro, whether it’s the classic hands-and-knees crawl or a creative scoot
  • Pulling up to stand like furniture, your legs, the dog!
  • Walking while holding onto things
  • Getting better at sitting
  • Grabbing with tiny fingers, making snack time messier than ever
  • Standing and bouncing is their way of saying, “Look what I can do!”

Now, one thing is for sure: your house just became their personal adventure zone. Time to double-check those baby gates!

It's already 10 months, and so many things are changing. It’s hard to keep track of everything! Well, you are not alone. 

With Happy Baby, you will be able to easily track naps, nighttime sleep, feeding, and diaper changes all in one place.

Cognitive and communication skills

At this age, your baby’s little brain is working overtime! Observing, learning, and figuring out how to get your attention (sometimes with a perfectly timed shriek). They’re understanding more than you think, experimenting with sounds, and showing off their growing personality [1].

10 month old milestones in cognitive and communication development:

  • Babbling with purpose like “Ba-ba,” “da-da,” or even a loud “ahhh!”
  • Responding to their name when calling their name (unless they’re too busy)
  • Copying sounds and actions like clapping, waving, or mimicking your funny faces 
  • Understanding simple words like “No,” “bye-bye,” and “milk” 
  • Pointing at things with their chubby little fingers
  • Showing preferences like they might love one toy and avoid another

At this stage, every giggle, babble, and curious stare is part of their learning process. Keep chatting, responding, and playing—your baby is soaking it all in!

Emotional and social development

Your baby is starting to show their personality in full force. They flash the biggest grin when you walk into the room, holding on to you like a koala when a stranger says hello. At this time, emotions are big, and social skills are blossoming.

10 month old milestones in emotional and social development:

  • They may seek your closeless and reassurance, especially in new situations 
  • Social cues are kicking in, and waving is an early sign of communication
  • Recognizing familiar faces and might be a little wary of new people.
  • Expressing emotions like excited kicks, frustrated grunts, and happy squeals
  • When upset, they may crawl to you for a comfort
  • They may throw food just to see your reaction (stay strong, it's all part of learning)

Your baby is learning how to connect with the world, one adorable (and sometimes dramatic) moment at a time [2]. Keep offering love, comfort, and plenty of interaction, you're their favorite person, after all!

Motor skill development

A 10-month-old baby's motor skills are becoming more refined, helping them explore their world with even more confidence (and a bit messy). Your little one’s hands and feet are on a mission, grabbing, pulling, tossing, and wiggling their way through the day!

10 month old milestones in motor skill development:

  • They’re getting better at using their fingers to grab small things (watch out!)
  • Coordination is improving, and they love transferring objects from one hand to the other
  • Throwing things like spoons, toys, sippy cups 
  • Their little hands are mastering social gestures like clapping and waving
  • Bouncing while standing like bending their knees and bounce, especially when holding onto something sturdy

Their hands are getting stronger, their legs are getting steadier, and their curiosity is growing by the day. Time to baby-proof anything within arm’s reach!

Nutrition and diet

At 10 months, your baby needs a mix of nutrients to support their rapid growth, brain development, and increasing activity levels. While breast milk or formula remains their main source of nutrition, solid foods play a growing role in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and energy [3]. This is the stage where they explore textures, practice chewing, and develop eating habits that will shape their relationship with food.

10 month old milestones in nutrition and diet:

  • Breast milk or formula: Still a primary source of nutrition, even with solids.
  • Soft fruits and veggies: Mashed banana, steamed carrots, and avocado are great choices.
  • Small protein bites: Scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, and cooked lentils add nutrition.
  • Dairy options: Full-fat yogurt and cheese (in small pieces) are good for calcium.
  • Soft grains: Oatmeal, small pasta, and well-cooked rice for energy.
  • Finger foods: Teething biscuits with no added sugar or other preservatives, small toast strips, and softly cooked smashed peas help with self-feeding.
  • Healthy fats: Nut butters (thinly spread), olive oil, and ghee support brain development.

Your baby’s taste buds are waking up, and mealtime messes are here to stay. Keep meals varied, balanced, and fun! Before you know it, they’ll have a favorite food (that they’ll refuse to eat next week).

Do you want to stay on top of your baby’s feeding schedule? Happy Baby ’s smart tracking tools help you log feedings seamlessly, so you never miss a meal! Simply record your baby’s first feeding of the day and let the app do the rest! 

Sleep patterns and challenges

Sleep at 10 months can feel unpredictable. Some nights are peaceful, while others involve sudden wake-ups and protests against naps. As babies become more active and aware, their sleep patterns shift, and sleep regressions or separation anxiety can make bedtime a bit trickier.

Typical sleep patterns and challenges:

  • Total sleep: Around 12–15 hours a day, including naps.
  • Naps: Usually, 2 naps a day, but some babies may start resisting one.
  • Increased mobility: Learning to stand and crawl may lead to nighttime restlessness.
  • Separation anxiety: Waking up and realizing you’re not there? Instant tears.
  • Sleep regression: Some babies go through a temporary phase of frequent wake-ups.
  • Teething discomfort: Achy gums can lead to discomfort or pain.
  • Changes in routine: Travel, milestones, or illness can disrupt sleep.

While sleep at this stage can be unpredictable, consistency is key. A calming bedtime routine, a comfortable sleep environment, and reassuring cuddles can help ease these sleep hurdles.

Safety and health measures

At 10 months, curiosity is at an all-time high, which means everything is worth exploring, climbing, or tasting. With increased mobility comes a greater need for safety precautions and health checks to keep your little one happy, healthy, and out of mischief.

Essential safety and health measures:

  • Baby-proof everything – Cover sharp corners, secure furniture, and block off stairs.
  • Choking hazards – Keep small objects and hard foods out of reach.
  • Safe sleep – Avoid blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals in the crib.
  • Prevent falls – Always supervise during standing or cruising practice.
  • Vaccination check – Keep up with pediatric visits and immunizations.
  • Hand hygiene – Encourage washing hands to reduce germs.
  • Sun protection – Use baby-safe sunscreen and hats for outdoor time.
  • Teething relief – Offer chilled teething toys to soothe sore gums.

Keeping your baby safe doesn’t mean stopping their adventures. It just means creating a space where they can explore without unnecessary risks. A little preparation goes a long way!

Sleep assistance

Sleep aids

Short & Sweet

Your 10-month-old is in full exploration mode, climbing, babbling, and making their opinions known (especially about bedtime and snack choices). This stage is full of exciting milestones, messy meals, and the occasional unexpected tumble. While every baby develops at their own pace, regular check-ins with your pediatrician can offer reassurance if you ever have concerns.

Most importantly, soak in the giggles, the wobbly first steps, and the endless curiosity. It’s a wild, wonderful phase, one that turns everyday moments into tiny adventures. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job (even if your living room currently looks like a baby tornado just hit).

Struggling with your 10-month-old’s sleep? Not sure if it’s a sleep regression or just a phase? Happy Baby helps you understand your baby’s sleep patterns and adjusts to their needs. With personalized sleep schedules, you’ll have the support you need to navigate tricky nights and make rest easier for everyone! 😴💤

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FAQ - Everything else you should know

1. How can I encourage my 10-month-old to play independently?

2. When should I introduce a sippy cup to my baby?

3. How do I help my baby transition to one nap a day?

4. Is it normal for my baby to prefer one parent over the other?

5. How can I make diaper changes easier now that my baby won’t stay still?

Sources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-10-month-old 
  2. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-10.aspx 
  3. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/sample-one-day-menu-for-an-8-to-12-month-old.aspx