10 months old
Little Explorer on the Move
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 10 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
3 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there!
Welcome to Month 10! Can you believe how quickly your little one is transforming into a curious explorer? Days might be filled with more movement (maybe even some steps for those eager little ones) lots of laughter, exploring, little surprises in unexpected places, and newfound tastes discovered simply by crawling over to the dog's bowl. Amidst the busyness, it’s easy to feel a bit behind in life or what to do next and to forget the magic and learning in these little everyday adventures.
This month, we’re offering a few gentle ideas to explore and connect. These aren’t to make life more hectic, just tiny moments to sprinkle in when you’re ready. What truly matters are those joyful, everyday connections you already share.
Activity 1: Water play
How: Fill a shallow basin or tray, bucket etc. with a little water and give your 10-month-old cups, spoons, or small floating toys. Sit alongside them and encourage pouring, scooping, splashing, and watching how the water moves. Always supervise water play closely.
Why: Water play supports sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. It also introduces cause-and-effect learning, babies see how actions like pouring or splashing create movement, bubbles, and ripples, all while having a blast!
Activity 2: Push Toy Walking
How: Offer a sturdy box or a push walker (depending on their development these may still be too fast for them). Stand nearby as baby uses it to step forward, occasionally catching their wobbly balance.
Why: Pushing toys or boxes helps them build balance and leg strength, preparing those tiny muscles for the big milestone ahead: independent walking.
Nursery Rhyme: This Little Piggy
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried, 'Wee wee wee,' all the way home!
This playful rhyme is perfect for those delightful toe wiggling moments. It's quite the giggle-inducing game, a great one to share between siblings too. I love the look children give the first few times you play this game, the "what are you doing?" face...but after a few times, they come to really laugh, enjoy and anticipate that ending. Repetition is really the key to so much learning.
Book of the Month: Dear Zoo
This treasured classic contains lift-the-flap surprises and charming animals that captivate their attention. Each page turns their curiosity into giggles. But the best part? It’s not about the book itself; it’s about those shared giggles, the warmth of your lap, and the wonder in their eyes as you explore each page together. Whether it’s a library pick or from your favorite bookshelf, any book you share becomes a beloved story.
Did You Know?
By 10 months, babies are rapidly learning from watching others. They can imitate simple actions like clapping, waving, or banging two toys together. This is a key way they develop new skills, solve problems, and start understanding social cues!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Notice those choices “You picked the square!” or “You held the walker!” Praising their selections builds confidence and decision-making skills. You’re celebrating those small moments of choice and encouraging them to trust their instincts.
Remember
In this whirlwind of discovery, remember that your presence is the greatest gift of all. Your little one treasures your warmth, your voice, and those ordinary, yet extraordinary, moments you create together. You’re crafting invisible threads of love and learning, without even trying.
You're doing so wonderfully.