Your toddler might now be crawling, pulling up, and even walking – keeping you on your toes as their progress unfolds! According to Tovah Klein, PhD, director of Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive”, all babies walk at various points between 9 months and 18 months of age.
As they explore more freely, babies are opening their world up in surprising new ways and getting into more things – so give that first round of babyproofing another look – ensure toilet seats remain closed and medicine and cleaning supplies out of reach of curious curious hands!
Here’s what else awaits this month.
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Sensory Activities for 10-month-olds Since everything around your child can be an adventure for him/her, Dr. Klein suggests these safe, interactive activities.
- Draw with Crayons
To start out drawing with crayons, tape newspaper to your kitchen floor, then let your little one grab one and scribble on it freely (they might attempt to put the crayon into their mouth – just gently take it from their mouth!) When they try licking at it with their tongue or chewing, remind them how scribbling works instead! (Some will likely attempt to swallow their crayon and this should not happen; show your little one instead how scribbling works!) - Coming and Going
The second way babies learn the concept of coming and going (meaning mom leaves and returns) is through play with empty bowls or pots; you could put toys inside for playtime or give your infant wooden spoon and pot to make music-making noises together! - Nature Walk
Your curious toddler wants to discover everything surrounding them–both inside and outside! Slip them into their stroller or wagon and head outdoors on an exciting nature stroll, noting all the sounds, sights, scents and textures they encounter along the way.
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- Spin Me Round Whilst engaging in physical play can help build baby’s gross motor skills, making a game out of dancing, tickling and spinning (with caution!!) around your living room can also be rewarding and beneficial in aiding their development.
- Sticky Note Collage
This activity might require sacrifice of some Post-It notes, but its endless entertainment–along with increased hand-eye coordination skills–is worth every bite of paper you use! Arrange several sticky notes around baby’s room floor or walls and show him or her how they unstick and stick back onto themselves just like magic! - Box Tunnel A large empty cardboard box that’s open at both ends makes an engaging tunnel for babies to explore and crawl through. Enlist their assistance by inviting baby to decorate its outside surface or add cushion walls as an obstacle course that both you and your little one can play through together.
Related Article: Why Toddlers Want Routines at Home (Montessori at home: Why toddlers crave routines)
Things To Do With a 10-Month Old
Looking for new learning experiences with your 10-month old? Dr. Holly Ruhl provides weekly advice from child development psychologist.
Week One: Picnic Party Baby is becoming adept at eating solids and may have already created attachments to certain stuffed toys, so why not combine two beloved activities for them into one memorable activity with a picnic party. Gather up his/her favorite on-the-go foods along with blanket and basket of his or her stuffed pals then head off to a park nearby bringing some friends so this day-trip becomes memorable for both of you?
Week Two: Make Research Your Focus
As baby nears his or her first birthday, consider finding an interesting study at a nearby university where your little one can participate. Not only can this provide your babe with their first opportunity to give back, it could give insight into his or her development and new ideas for games at home!
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Week 3: Engage in imaginative play. Your baby enjoys mimicking and will begin engaging in symbolic play soon; use “make-believe” games to spark their imagination by pretending you are talking on the telephone (TV remotes and bananas make great phones too!) Feed pretend vegetables to your tot’s teddy bear before finally pretending you are an airplane flying through the skies or train moving down tracks!
Week 4: Splash Zone
Now that baby can stand unaided, a water or sand table may provide endless entertainment and learning for your active tot! Fill it up with water, use empty cups as learning aids for volumetric theory and weight estimation while hiding toys under its surface for exploration of textures while searching and finding something lost!