Activities for a 10-month-old: Fostering baby’s development

This month, your tot may be crawling, pulling up or even walking. That means the person who’s really on her toes is you. According to Tovah Klein, PhD, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive,” all babies walk at different times, some as early as 9 months, others as late as 18 months.

This new freedom to explore means babies are seeing the world differently and getting into more things. So definitely give that first round of baby-proofing a second look. Keep toilet seats closed and medicine and cleaning products out of reach.

Here’s what else you can expect this month.

Related: 10-month-old baby milestones

Sensory activities for 10-month-olds

Since everything in your house is new an adventure for your curious kiddo, Dr. Klein recommends these safe, hands-on activities.

1. Draw with crayons

Tape newspaper to your kitchen floor, then let your little one crawl around with a crayon and scribble on it. (They will definitely try to eat the crayon. Just take it from their mouth gently and show them how to scribble.)

2. In and out

This is another way that babies learn about coming and going (which means mama leaves and comes back). Your baby can play with empty bowls or pots. Put a toy in the bowl for them to play with or give them a wooden spoon and pot for music-making.

3. Nature walk

Your curious babe is eager to learn more about their world—both inside and outside. Pop on the baby carrier or strap them into their stroller or wagon for a nature stroll, pointing out the sounds you hear, the sights you see, the scents you smell and all the colors and textures.

Related: How much sleep does a 10-month-old baby need?

Developmental activities for 10-month-olds

1. Spin me round

Some good, old-fashioned physical play can be super helpful for boosting baby’s gross motor skills. Try turning up the tunes and dancing, tickling and spinning (carefully!) around the living room

2. Sticky note collage

You might have to sacrifice a pack of Post-Its for this purpose, but the endless entertainment—and improved hand-eye coordination—is worth it. Spread out several sticky notes on the floor or wall of baby’s room, and show them how they can unstick and stick back on, just like magic.

3. Box tunnel

A large, empty cardboard box that’s open on both ends can be the start of a fun tunnel for baby to crawl through. Consider getting baby’s help drawing on the outside to decorate it, or add on some cushion walls to create a larger obstacle course for you both to play in and crawl through together.

Related: Montessori at home: Why toddlers crave routines

Things to do with a 10-month-old

For more great learning experiences, check out these week-by-week tips from child development psychologist, Dr. Holly Ruhl.

Week 1: Picnic party

Baby is becoming a pro at noshing on solids and may be developing an attachment to a stuffed lovey. This week, combine two of baby’s beloved pastimes with a teddy bear picnic. Pack a few of baby’s favorite on-the-go foods, a blanket, and a basket of baby’s stuffed pals and head to the park. Invite a few of baby’s besties and make it a day to remember.

Week 2: Contribute to research

Baby is close to that momentous first birthday. Consider looking for a study at a local university in which baby can participate. This is baby’s first chance to give back to the community. Studies are usually designed to make sure your babe has fun while participating. You may even gain insight into your 1-year-old’s development and find new ideas for games at home.

Related: How to get kids involved in volunteering

Week 3: Imagination station

Engage in imaginary play. Baby loves imitating and will begin engaging in symbolic play soon. Jumpstart baby’s imagination by playing “make-believe.” Pretend to chat on the telephone (TV remotes and bananas make fab phones, too!). Feed pretend veggies to your tot’s teddy bear. For the grand finale, pretend to be an airplane zooming through the air or a train chugging along the tracks.

Week 4: Splash zone

Now that baby is standing independently, a sand or water table may be perfect for entertaining (and educating) your non-stop tot! Fill with water and use a few empty cups to introduce the concepts of volume, weight, and space. Hide toys in sand and let baby explore new textures while scavenging.

Our favorite products for 10-month-olds

Fat Brain Toys

InnyBin

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$25.95

Geared toward the littlest learners, this toy provides a frustration-free way to explore shapes and textures. Unlike traditional shape-sorting toys, there’s no right or wrong way to get the shapes inside. Instead, they can push the shapes through the elastic bands then explore and experiment ways to get them back out.

SHOP

Piccalio

Pikler Triangle Set

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$349

Pikler triangles are a staple in Montessori classrooms and have subsequently gained popularity at home as well. Developed as a tool to help improve motor development skills, to forge independent activity, and to allow freedom of movement, they’re endlessly entertaining for new climbers, toddlers and bigger kids alike. This foldable version comes with detachable ramp that features a rock climbing wall on one side and a flat surface for sliding on the other.

SHOP

Hape

Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

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$25.99

This xylophone set isn’t one of those toys that’ll get deserted in record time, thanks to the fact that it features more than one way to play. Your curious babe learns about cause and effect as they use the hammer to tap the balls through the holes to create a melody on the xylophone below. They can also slide out the xylophone and pound out a solo!

SHOP

My First 100 Words Book

As their vocalizations start to become real words, it’s fun to practice teaching them new ones. With 100 first words accompanied by 100 clear, bright photos, this best-selling word book stands out as one your baby will go back to again and again.

SHOP

A version of this story was originally published on Nov. 30, 2015. It has been updated.