Week-by-week library · 10 months old
Month 10
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at 10 months old?
This month, cruising along the couch is basically toddler training wheels.
What's developing
Motor
Cruising, walking sideways while holding onto furniture, is common for many babies now as balance and leg strength build.
Communication
"Mama" and "dada" may start being used with more apparent intention, though it can take a bit longer for them to consistently mean the specific person.
Social
Pointing at objects of interest often emerges, an early and important way of sharing attention with you.
Try this together this week
- Line up sturdy furniture to create a safe cruising path.
- Respond enthusiastically to pointing by naming whatever they're pointing at.
- Practice simple words with clear mouth movements they can watch and imitate.
- Offer stacking or nesting toys for growing hand-eye coordination.
What parents often notice
Many parents notice their baby seems to understand far more words than they can say yet; receptive language (understanding) typically runs ahead of expressive language (talking) at this stage.
Sourced to
- Zero to Three, Early Development guides
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.