What to expect of a 10 month old (1043)

Is your baby saying any real words yet? A child just learning to talk often uses one word to mean several different things. Real words are words that mean only one thing.

Even if baby says "no," and shakes her head back and forth, baby may not know what the word means. She may even say "no" while really meaning "yes." Don't take all "no's" too seriously.

If baby began to pull to a stand last month, he will probably learn how to get down by himself soon. Baby may be fascinated by stairs. With a gate on the second or third step, baby can practice climbing. You still need to be there to catch him.

Watch baby's hands. Your child may pick up things with just a first finger and a thumb. Remember when she had to use her whole hand to smear food into her mouth? Baby has come a long way.

Don't worry if your baby doesn't seem to do things on schedule. Your baby is unique and will develop on his own timetable. As long as baby is making progress, just enjoy watching him grow.

Some of the major milestones for the 10th month include:

* Crawling up stairs, but maybe not knowing how to get back down.

* When you hold baby's hand, he can walk.

* He may sidestep, holding onto furniture to get around a room.

* Baby can feed herself with her fingers and hold a cup.

* Baby understands simple sentences, says "no," and shakes her head from side to side.

* She may not like being away from you, and shows many feelings now.

* He likes to imitate people he knows, but still may feel shy.

* At about 10 months of age, babies will look for something if you hide it.

You can help baby learn by:

* Showing baby things you want her to know.

* Reading books with baby.

* Playing hide and seek with baby.

* Letting baby look at pictures and mirrors.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

Feel free to forward, post or reprint any of the "Solutions" in their entirely, but please credit http://www.solutions.psu.edu/ as the original source of information, and please do not change the content.