Your baby's growth and development — 10 months old
7-minute read
Key facts
- Your 10 month old will most likely be able to crawl and pull themselves up onto furniture.
- Your baby will still be very interested in finding out how things work, looking for hidden objects and reaching out and grabbing things or throwing them.
- By 10 months, separation anxiety is often easing and it might be easier to leave your baby with strangers now.
- They will be very interested in conversations, and you might hear their first words.
My 10 month old
Your 10 month old will now be very active. You'll probably be chasing around after them as they crawl and pull themselves up onto furniture, and you'll be learning more about your baby's developing personality.
The rapid growth of your baby’s first year will be slowing down now. They will have more than doubled their birth weight and, as they pull themselves upright, they’ll start to look more like a toddler than a baby.
Try not to compare your baby’s height or weight with that of other babies. There is no need to worry, as long as they are growing as expected according to their growth chart.
Some babies may lose a little weight around this time. This could be because they’re moving more, they have been sick, or they’re not eating enough of the solid foods you’re giving them. They might just be more interested in playing than eating! Try a range of different finger foods, and keep distractions to a minimum during mealtimes.
Some 10 month old babies can be getting quite chubby. You should never keep food from a 10 month old baby, but you can make sure you’re giving them nutritious foods. Stick to foods from the 5 food groups: vegetables; fruit; grain foods (like bread, pasta and rice); dairy; and protein. Water is the best drink for babies, and avoid foods that have a lot of salt, saturated fat and sugar, and sweet drinks.
If you’re worried, talk to your child health nurse.
Understanding baby growth charts
A growth chart helps you and your doctor keep track of how your baby is growing.
What can my baby do?
Physical development
Most 10 month olds can crawl well on their hands and knees, but don’t worry if your baby is not crawling just yet. Some babies never learn to crawl; they just move straight on to walking.
By now, your baby is probably sitting confidently and may be able to walk around while holding onto furniture (this is called ‘cruising’). They may try to pick up a toy from a standing position and climb the stairs, so be very aware of their safety now. At 10 months, your baby should also be able to sit and lean sideways without toppling over.
Cognitive development
Your baby will still be very interested in finding out how things work, looking for hidden objects and reaching out and grabbing things or throwing them. They can bounce to music, copy simple sounds, and pick up things easily with their thumb and forefinger.
Social development
By 10 months, separation anxiety is often easing and it might be easier to leave your baby with strangers now. In fact, they may be getting very social, smiling at everyone they meet or may hide away shyly.
Emotional development
Some 10 month olds might develop new fears, such as the sound of the vacuum cleaner or the doorbell. Giving them a cuddle will let them know they’re safe.
Language development
They will be very interested in conversations and you might hear their first words. They will be able to communicate with you and let you know what they want by using body language and facial expressions. They might even join in when you sing to them. There will still be a lot of babbling.
How can I help my baby develop?
Your baby loves conversation so talk to them whenever you are together. They won't be able to say proper words yet, but you can teach them language by repeating the correct words back to them.
Tell your baby what you’re doing around the house, sing nursery rhymes and use actions with words, like waving bye-bye. Read together as much as you can and encourage their imagination with songs and stories.
It’s important to encourage your baby to move, even if they sometimes fall and hurt themselves. Make sure the house is safe so they can explore as much as possible.
Development problem signs
Babies develop at different rates.
At 10 months, talk to your doctor or maternal child health nurse if they are:
- not responsive to parents/carers
- not babbling/vocalising (vowels and consonants) and making sounds
- not beginning to pull to stand or raise themselves to a sitting position
- not playing with their feet, swapping objects between hands
- not interested in holding toys or throwing small objects
- not learning to eat solids
Resources and support
If you are worried or would like to discuss any issues with your baby’s development, speak to your doctor or child health nurse.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
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Last reviewed: January 2023
