Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Month 10

Cruising becomes confident. Baby understands more language and begins communicating with gestures.

Quick Reference

Sleep

12-15 hours

Feeding

24-28 oz (710-830 ml) milk + 3 solid meals

Naps

2 naps

Wake Window

3-4 hours

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not cruise or stand with support
•Does not search for things you hide
•Does not use gestures like waving
•Does not point at things
•Does not babble or make sounds
•Loses skills they once had

Should my baby be walking yet?

Most babies take first steps between 12-18 months. At 10 months, pulling to stand and cruising along furniture are typical, but not all babies do this yet. Talk to your doctor if baby shows no interest in bearing weight on legs or seems very stiff by 12 months.

Why won't baby eat solid foods anymore?

Around 10 months, many babies become pickier, refuse previously liked foods, or prefer milk. This is normal as they assert independence. Keep offering variety without pressure, don't short-order cook, and remember milk is still primary nutrition until 12 months.

Is there a 10-month sleep regression?

Some babies experience sleep disruption around 9-10 months from: learning new skills (cruising, standing), separation anxiety, dropping the third nap, or increased awareness. Stick to routines and give it 2-3 weeks.

Baby won't sleep unless I'm in the room!

Peak separation anxiety at this age makes independent sleep harder. If this is new, ride it out - most babies improve by 12 months. If it's unbearable, gradual sleep training (like chair method) can help baby learn to sleep independently.

How do I baby-proof for climbing?

Climbing emerges suddenly - act fast. Anchor all furniture, remove furniture from under windows, install window guards, move step stools away, lower crib mattress to lowest setting, and accept you can't eliminate all risk. Supervision is key.

Should my baby be pointing or waving yet?

Pointing and waving typically emerge 9-12 months. Some babies do these earlier, others closer to 12-14 months. Talk to your doctor if baby shows no gestures and no babbling by 12 months.

ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Cruise along furniture
  • •Walk with both hands held
  • •Stand momentarily without support
  • •Use pincer grasp to pick up small objects
  • •Point at objects
  • •Understand no (pauses or stops briefly)
  • •Respond to simple requests with context
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Take first steps independently
  • •Stand alone for several seconds
  • •Say uh-oh or other exclamations
  • •Show toys to others
  • •Follow simple one-word instructions

What's Next

Month 11 · Month 11 often brings standing without support and possibly first independent steps. First words may emerge.