As your little one approaches their first birthday, the excitement of watching them grow and develop becomes even more palpable. Ten months is a delightful age filled with curiosity, exploration, and personality. If you’re a new mom, you might be wondering what milestones to expect during this stage and how to support your baby’s development. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of your ten-month-old!
Physical Milestones
1. Crawling Like a Pro
By ten months, many babies are not just crawling—they’re zooming around! Whether it's the classic hands-and-knees crawl, scooting on their bottoms, or even “army crawling,” mobility opens up a whole new world for your little explorer.
What to Do: Create a safe space for your baby to crawl and explore. Remove any hazards, and consider setting up a soft play area with cushions and toys. Engage in crawling games with them—this not only encourages movement but also strengthens your bond.
2. Pulling Up to Stand
Around this age, you might see your baby pulling themselves up to a standing position. They’re likely using furniture or your legs as support, and it’s a thrilling milestone!
What to Do: Encourage this new skill by placing toys just out of reach on low furniture. This motivates them to pull up and explore while practicing their balance. Just be sure to supervise closely, as they may take a tumble!
Cognitive Milestones
3. Improving Problem-Solving Skills
At ten months, your baby is becoming quite the thinker! They’ll start to show curiosity about how things work, such as pushing buttons to make sounds or figuring out how to get a toy that’s stuck.
What to Do: Offer toys that stimulate problem-solving, like shape sorters or stacking blocks. These activities encourage critical thinking and hand-eye coordination, setting the stage for future learning.
4. Recognizing Familiar Faces
Your baby is developing their social skills and is starting to recognize familiar faces and voices. They may show excitement when they see family members or friends, and they might even express shyness around strangers.
What to Do: Encourage social interactions by inviting friends and family over. Play peek-a-boo or other interactive games that help reinforce these connections and make your little one feel secure in their environment.
Social and Emotional Milestones
5. Expressing Emotions
By this age, your baby is becoming more expressive. You might see them showing joy through laughter, frustration through fussing, or even sadness when a favorite toy is taken away.
What to Do: Respond to their emotions with empathy. If they are upset, kneel down to their level and say, “I see you’re sad. Let’s find your toy.” This teaches them that it’s okay to express feelings and helps them learn to identify their emotions.
6. Developing Stranger Anxiety
As your baby grows, they may experience stranger anxiety, feeling wary or anxious around unfamiliar faces. This is a normal part of development and indicates that they’re forming attachments and understanding social dynamics.
What to Do: Be patient and reassuring. If a stranger approaches, hold your baby close and gently introduce them. Familiar voices and faces can help ease anxiety, so don’t be afraid to let them warm up at their own pace.
Communication Milestones
7. Babbling and Early Words
At ten months, your little one is likely babbling up a storm! You might hear sounds like “ba-ba,” “da-da,” or “ma-ma.” They may not yet understand the meaning of these words, but they’re practicing their communication skills.
What to Do: Engage in conversations with your baby, even if they can’t respond with words just yet. Mimic their sounds and encourage back-and-forth “conversations.” This interaction is vital for language development.
8. Understanding Simple Commands
Your baby might begin to understand simple commands, such as “come here” or “give me.” They may not always comply, but they’re starting to grasp the concept of language and its meaning.
What to Do: Use simple phrases consistently. When you ask them to do something, pair it with a gesture. For example, when you say “wave bye-bye,” wave your hand. This helps them connect language with actions.
Tips for Supporting Development
9. Create a Stimulating Environment
Surround your baby with a variety of toys and activities that promote exploration and learning. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. Consider interactive playthings that encourage movement, sound, and problem-solving.
10. Celebrate Every Achievement
Every little milestone is worth celebrating! Whether it’s a new sound, a successful crawl, or standing for the first time, make a big deal out of their achievements. Your enthusiasm reinforces their confidence and encourages further exploration.
Conclusion
Reaching the ten-month milestone is a thrilling time filled with growth, exploration, and new experiences. As a new mom, being aware of these milestones can help you provide the support and encouragement your baby needs. Embrace this stage with patience, love, and lots of celebration. Each moment is a precious memory in the making, and before you know it, your little one will be celebrating their first birthday! Enjoy every giggle, every crawl, and every new word—this journey is truly magical.
