Congratulations on reaching the final stretch of your baby’s first year! By now, your little one has grown so much and is starting to become more mobile, active, and curious about the world around them. During months 10-12, your baby will be taking their first steps and becoming more independent, while also continuing to develop their cognitive and social skills. Here are some things to expect and ways to support your baby’s growth during this exciting phase.
Motor Development
At this stage, your baby’s gross motor skills are taking off. They may start to crawl or scoot around, pull themselves up to stand, and take their first steps. While some babies may take their first steps at 10 months, it is more common for them to start walking around 12 months. Don’t worry if your baby isn’t walking yet – every child develops at their own pace. Encourage your baby to explore their environment by creating a safe space with plenty of interesting toys and objects to explore.
Your baby’s fine motor skills are also improving, as they learn to use their fingers and hands to grasp and manipulate objects. Offer toys that encourage this development, such as soft blocks or stacking rings. Provide plenty of opportunities for your baby to practice reaching and grabbing, and offer lots of positive reinforcement for their efforts.
Language Development
Your baby is likely saying their first words by now, such as “mama” and “dada.” They may also be able to understand more complex language and follow simple instructions, such as “give me the ball.” Encourage your baby’s language development by talking to them frequently and clearly, using simple words and phrases. Read books together and point out objects and people in the pictures. Sing songs and play games that involve simple actions and sounds.