10 Month Old Baby Development: Pretend Play
Lately, you may be reading the same book to your baby over and over again. It's not that your child doesn't remember what happened to the Hungry Caterpillar, it's just that repetition is the name of the game these days. Babies feel secure seeing and hearing familiar things repeatedly (not unlike your secret soap opera addiction). So clear your throat, turn to page 1 one more time, and repeat after us: "In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf ..."
What You're Thinking: "I should write a children's book starring my baby!"
Baby Milestones
- Inspire your baby's imagination by letting her pick up the phone and pretend to talk to someone. Alternately, give baby the phone when you're talking to your mother and she starts asking you about when you're going to have a second baby.
- Play pretend games with your baby using a stuffed animal. Make it talk to your baby, tickle her and give hier kisses. Funny voices are essential to the game, so buff up on your best cartoon impressions and ham it up.
- Hand puppets are also a fun way to engage your baby at this stage. Let the puppet sing a song to your baby, tell her all about the proper technique for eating an Oreo or just read her a book. Smooches and tummy tickles will also be greatly appreciated.
- Your baby may already know how to shake her head no to answer you (lucky you!). Some parents like to take advantage of this time by teaching their babies "baby sign language". Simple signs like "more" or "milk" might help the two of you communicate, though we're willing to bet she doesn't give up that "no" head shake anytime soon!
Mommy Milestones
- You finished a book that you started last week (and it wasn't about how to get your baby to sleep longer at night).
- You haven't bought "mom jeans" (and never will because you vow that they belong only in one place: SNL spoofs).
- You actually thought about getting a minivan (when they have cool ones, that is—doesn't everything eventually become cool?).
- You've started telling single friends to get gliders for their homes (hey, they're comfortable; why wait for a baby?).
- You've learned more Spanish listening to that international children's CD than you did in high school.
Home Front
If you're lucky enough to have a lush backyard for baby to play in, you'll want to make sure it's as safe as possible. Which means free of hazards ranging from dog poo to baby pools. If you're not sure where to start, we've got some ideas for backyard safety for babies ... so you can both get out and enjoy it. Read more ...
Everything you ever wanted to know ... and were just about to ask ...
Do It:
Mom of Steel
Work that back into tank-top shape!
Buy It: Flip Video Camera
A small, easy-to-use video camera you can toss in bag. Because you never know when your kid's gonna bust out a film-worthy milestone!
Cook It: Sweet Apple Pumpkin Baby Food
Make a little pumpkin for your pumpkin.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: More Month 10 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 11
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
report abuseWork that back into tank-top shape!
Buy It: Flip Video Camera
A small, easy-to-use video camera you can toss in bag. Because you never know when your kid's gonna bust out a film-worthy milestone!
Cook It: Sweet Apple Pumpkin Baby Food
Make a little pumpkin for your pumpkin.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: More Month 10 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 11
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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