As a mom of two and a firm believer in the power of engaging play, I’ve witnessed firsthand how simple activities can spark incredible growth in babies. When my youngest was around 10 months, I remember marveling at how quickly those little hands went from grabbing everything (hair included) to perfecting the delicate pincer grasp. It’s those tiny moments that remind me how fast they grow!
So, here are some tried-and-true, developmentally supportive activities you can do with your 10-month-old, blending fun with learning—because let’s face it, when you’re balancing a million things as a parent, it’s the joyful interactions that matter most.
Table of Contents
1. Read Together
Reading is a cherished part of my daily routine. By 10 months, babies are absorbing so much language, and those bedtime stories play a vital role in sparking their imagination. Plus, it’s a chance for cuddles. Whether it’s flipping through a picture book or making funny animal sounds, these shared moments are a bonding experience and lay the groundwork for language development. Trust me, even if your little one tries to chew the book, they’re learning!
Pro Tip: Keep a basket of board books handy in the living room or nursery. That way, whenever you find a quiet moment, you can pull out a story.
2. Encouraging the Pincer Grasp
When my five-year-old was around 10 months, watching him master the pincer grasp felt like witnessing a major milestone. By this age, babies start to use their thumb and index finger to pick up small objects—like peas, Cheerios, or those bits of paper you thought you’d cleaned up. This is an essential skill for their fine motor development, so encouraging it through play is a win-win!
Activity Idea: Place some small, safe-to-eat snacks like puffs on their high chair tray. Let them practice picking them up one by one. They’ll likely giggle at their newfound precision—and yes, some snacks will end up on the floor (but that’s part of the fun!).
3. Crawl Chase
If your baby is anything like mine was, they’re probably zooming around the house like a mini marathoner. Crawling is fantastic for developing coordination, and chasing games add a delightful twist. I used to crawl after my little one, saying “I’m gonna get you!” and the squeals of joy were priceless. It’s simple, free, and guaranteed to give you both a good workout!
4. Musical Instruments
Okay, so when my teen was a baby, we invested in toy drums and tambourines. And while I can’t say the noise was always music to my ears, it was definitely to his! Exposing babies to musical instruments encourages rhythm, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Plus, banging on a drum is just plain fun.
Activity Idea: If you don’t have toy instruments, no problem—grab a wooden spoon and a pot, and you’ve got an instant baby band. Let your little one explore different sounds by tapping, banging, and shaking. Who knows, you might have a future percussionist on your hands!
5. Peek-a-Boo
The classic game of peek-a-boo never fails. My five-year-old still giggles when we play it. At 10 months, babies are starting to grasp the concept of object permanence, which means they understand that things still exist even when they can’t see them. Peek-a-boo strengthens this understanding while giving you a chance to witness their delightful reactions.
Activity Idea: You can make it more exciting by using a scarf or blanket, hiding your face or one of their favorite toys. Just a few minutes of this simple game can brighten their day.
6. Mirror Play
Babies at this age are fascinated by their reflection. I still have photos of my little one pressing his face against the mirror, trying to figure out who that “other baby” was. Mirror play is fantastic for self-awareness, and you can make it even more engaging by standing beside your baby, pointing to body parts, or making funny faces together.
7. Water Play
One of the simplest ways to entertain a 10-month-old is to introduce water play. Whether it’s during bath time or in a small plastic tub, splashing in water provides a sensory-rich experience. My kids always loved the feel of water between their fingers, and it’s an excellent way to explore different textures.
Activity Idea: Throw in some floating toys and plastic cups for pouring. Bath time becomes an adventure, and you’ll enjoy watching their little faces light up as they splash about. Just be ready for a few puddles to mop up afterward!
8. Stacking Cups and Blocks
Who knew that stacking cups could provide hours of fun? Around 10 months, babies love experimenting with cause and effect. Stacking and knocking over cups or blocks is a fantastic way to develop hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Plus, the look of pride on their face when they create a tower is priceless!
9. Exploring Textures
Textures are a big deal for babies at this age. Creating a tactile play area can be as simple as laying down a blanket with a few toys made from different materials—think soft, crinkly, bumpy. Babies love exploring textures, and it’s a great way to keep them engaged while stimulating their senses.
Activity Idea: You can even create a homemade sensory board with safe household items like sponges, fabrics, or a plastic hairbrush. Let them feel and explore these different textures while you supervise.
10. Follow-the-Leader
This one’s a personal favorite. I’d crawl or toddle around the living room, encouraging my little one to follow me. Babies at this age love to mimic, so whether you’re clapping your hands or doing a silly walk, they’ll try to follow your lead. It’s an activity that encourages movement, imitation, and lots of laughs.
At the end of the day, the goal is to bond, laugh, and learn together. As a mom of two, I’ve found that no amount of scheduled activities can replace the organic joy of playing with your baby. And trust me, these precious moments will become cherished memories before you know it. So, go ahead and try out a few of these activities, knowing that each playful interaction is helping your little one grow in the most meaningful way.
