Baby's Development: Tenth Month
Your Baby’s Appearance at Tenth Month of Life
While some babies still have no teeth, others might have several of them. This is the time when you should notice lower and upper lateral incisors appear. If she's got lower and upper central incisors, of course.
Your Baby’s Growth at Tenth Month of Life
At this time, your baby's growth will slow down, as well as her appetite. However, if you have any concerns about your child's appetite, don't hesitate to talk with a pediatrician. At their first birthday, most babies triple their birth weight. If you compare your ten-month-old baby with a newborn, you might just be surprised by how big your baby has become.
Your Baby’s Motor Skills at Tenth Month of Life
Your baby can now sit without any support, and she’s probably been crawling for a while, so now she may try to get up to a standing position. She'll be pulling herself up on furniture or even on your legs. Some babies might also walk while holding on to something (cruising). However, once she puts herself in a standing position, it might be a little hard for her to sit down again, so you should be there to help her. And don't be surprised if your baby takes first steps all on her own! But don't be too worried if she doesn't - some babies just feel more secure when you hold their hands and walk with them.
Your Baby’s Senses at Tenth Month of Life
Most ten-month-old babies have fully developed senses. However, there are some signs that might tell you when something isn't right. You should be concerned if your baby doesn't make an eye contact with you, or if she isn't following moving objects with her eyes. You should also consult your child's pediatrician if your baby isn’t turning her head towards sounds or voices, and doesn’t respond to your voice, smile and other facial expressions.
Your Baby’s Sleeping at Tenth Month of Life
At this age, most babies have only one nap during the day, but it's perfectly fine if your baby still has two. She just needs a little more sleep. At this age, you won't miss the signs that your baby is tired - you'll see her yawn and grizzle, and she'll want more cuddles. She might also fall asleep during any other activity, such as play or even feeding. And if you're thinking about skipping one nap, it's better that you skip the one in the morning since an after-lunch nap might help you avoid crankiness in the evening. If your baby skips one nap during the day, she might finally sleep through the night.
Your Baby’s Eating at Tenth Month of Life
As your baby gets older, there are more new foods for her to try. Choose from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats, and offer her some new tastes. But remember to avoid all choking hazards (popcorn, nuts, whole grapes, hard candies, and everything similar). You may also serve her some finger food, and let her feed herself, or even offer her a spoon. Just be prepared for the mess - a bib might not be sufficient, so you should probably put a mat under the chair to make it easier to clean.
Your Baby’s Communication at Tenth Month of Life
By this month, your baby's babbling is starting to sound more like real words. Every time she pronounces something similar to a real word, you should repeat it correctly. That way she'll improve her communication skills. The more you keep talking with her, the more interest she'll show. Talk to her, sing her a song, or play some games - it's important that she hears you speak. You may also notice a wide variety of new gestures - she'll wave when someone is leaving, or she'll protest when you take her toy or try to put her in a car seat. Her social skills are also improving now. Some babies are shy and hide their face when someone unfamiliar attempts to speak with them, while others give a broad smile to everyone they meet.
