Baby Milestones: Month 10
Baby’s Development
By the end of the month your baby should be able to:*
- Understand the concept of object permanence
- Get upset if a toy is removed
- Transfer objects from one hand to the other
- Stand while holding on to someone
- Pull up to a standing position
*All babies are different and reach milestones on their own developmental timelines. If your baby has not reached one of the developmental items, rest assured that he or she should be able to do so shortly.
Activities
Talk to Me!
This is a great age to get your baby giggling and moving around. Hold your baby’s hands while kneeling and start swaying from side to side. Encourage your baby to join you in this exciting dance time. Consider trying different types of music to see what he or she prefers, and don’t forget to check your local library. Many libraries are a good source for free children’s tunes.
The Everyday Toy
Forget traditional toys. Right about now, your baby is probably more fascinated by everyday objects. Does your baby want to play with car keys, pots, pans, and the remote control, more than the stuffed animal he or she found comforting a few months ago?
Babies start imitating everyday behavior, so your 10-month-old may try to use the phone, brush his or her hair or stir his or her cereal with a finger. This behavior is more than just having fun; your baby is learning through observation. Encourage this learning, but keep an eye on where your baby puts your keys and cell phone!
Just For Mom
Need Some Ideas For Stress Relief?
Light an aromatherapy candle and play some soft music. Close your eyes and imagine whatever peaceful moments come to mind, but be careful not to leave candles burning unattended.
Kick Back and Look through your Scrapbooks or Photo Albums
Memories of happy times can easily bring a smile to your face…. Look at those photos of your baby in those earlier months of growth. While paging through your photo album, consider planning the next opportunity to add photos. The simple act of having something to look forward to should significantly help you relieve stress.
Start Keeping a Diary or a Journal Just for Yourself!
Record your innermost thoughts and feelings, and vent any of your daily frustrations. Keeping a journal can be very effective to get troubles off your chest and onto a sheet of paper, where they’ll stay for the rest of the night.
Deep Breathing
When you feel your stress levels begin to escalate consider a couple deep breaths to get oxygen flowing throughout your body. Start your deep breathing by counting to three while inhaling, then counting to three again while exhaling. Gradually increase breath length to five, six, or seven, as you try to relax.
Stretching
Stretching is always a good idea to relieve stress. Raise your arms above your head, arch your back and give it a good stretch. Touch your toes. Make sure you stretch within your own limits; there’s no need to pull a muscle while releasing tension.
Did You Know?
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average child has eight to ten colds during the first two years of life and visits the doctor twenty-three times during their first four years.
- A babies strongest sense is smell; they can recognize their mothers by scent alone.
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