The short answer
Your 10-month-old learns by moving, handling objects and interacting with you. Sitting without support, passing a toy between hands, making different babbling sounds and raising their arms to be picked up are skills you may notice. Pulling up to stand may also emerge, but babies are not expected to show every skill in the same month. Look at more than whether your baby crawls or walks.
In this guide · 8 sections
Keep in mind
- Notice communication, play and interest in the world as well as movement.
- Build games around what your baby can already do; do not force the next skill.
- Talk to your GP or health visitor about developmental concerns or the loss of a skill.
What do movement and hand skills look like in everyday life?
Your baby may reach for a toy while sitting, pass it to the other hand or bang two objects together. Turning a toy over and dropping it are also ways to explore. Picking up smaller objects between the thumb and index finger may begin to develop around this time; it is not a compulsory ten-month target. Do not offer small pieces to practice with: anything your baby can put in their mouth needs to be safe.
Babies also get around in different ways. Some crawl on hands and knees, while others move on their tummy or shuffle while sitting. Look beyond the name of the movement: notice how your baby uses both sides of their body and tries to reach their surroundings. A baby who pulls up to stand may not yet sit back down as easily. Stay nearby and help when needed; do not use a wheeled baby walker.
For example, when your baby is sitting on the floor, give them a brief chance to reach for a toy before handing it over. Place it close enough to reach with a little effort; there is no need to frustrate your baby with an object that stays out of reach.
How do sounds and connection develop?
You may hear strings of sounds such as “bababa” or “mamama.” These do not, by themselves, mean your baby is calling you with a meaningful word. Using a name meaningfully involves directing it toward a particular person; not every ten-month-old is expected to do this.
Your baby also communicates by turning toward their name, using facial expressions or lifting their arms to be picked up. Respond when they make a sound, then leave room for another response. Saying “I’m putting your sock on now” during a nappy change connects words with a shared everyday experience.
Your baby may be wary of an unfamiliar person or react when you move away. Rather than making them go straight to the new person, stay close and give them time to get used to the situation.
What games can you play with your ten-month-old?
Dropping, rolling or banging an object repeatedly helps your baby discover how things behave. You do not need to keep buying toys because your baby wants to repeat a short game.
Find the hidden toy: partly cover a large, safe toy with a cloth you are holding. Give your baby a chance to look for it; uncover a little more if needed. The aim is to explore looking for something hidden, not to find it every time.
Take toys out: put large toys in a container with no sharp edges or detachable small parts. Let your baby take them out and explore them first. You can show how to put them back, without expecting an immediate copy.
Watch a rolling ball: slowly roll a large ball along the floor. Notice whether your baby watches, reaches or moves after it. They do not have to roll it back.
Look at pictures together: name a picture that interests your baby in a board book. They may want to turn the page or stay with the same picture. Follow their interest rather than trying to finish the whole book.
Stay beside your baby during play. Keep small parts, button batteries and coins out of reach, and secure furniture they might pull up on.
When should you talk to your GP or health visitor?
If your baby still cannot sit without support at ten months, uses one side of their body much less, or you have concerns about movement, speak to your GP or health visitor. Also discuss not responding to their name, not making varied babbling sounds, or concerns about interaction. One behaviour does not establish a diagnosis, but “every baby has their own timing” is not a reason to put off asking for help.
Request an assessment if your baby stops making a movement, sound or social response they used before. Describe everyday examples and, if appropriate, show a short video. If your baby was born early, ask which age should be used when considering developmental expectations.
What can you do today?
1. Make a safe floor-play space and stay close while your baby explores through their own movements.
2. Choose one of the games above that interests your baby. Pause when they are tired or want to move on.
3. During everyday care, name what your baby is looking at, respond to their sounds and wait for a reply.
4. Note a newly noticed skill and any concern with a concrete example to discuss with your GP or health visitor.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Discuss an inability to sit without support, marked differences between the two sides of the body, or concerns about sounds and responses with your GP or health visitor.
- Seek an assessment if your baby loses a movement, sound or social response they previously used.
Sources used for this guide
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Milestones by 9 Months
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- AAP / HealthyChildren.org — Movement Milestones in Babies 8 to 12 Months Old
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren – Cognitive Development in Infants: 8 to 12 Months
- NHS — Help your baby learn to talk
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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