Most babies at ten months are more mobile with the exception of some who do not walk until after they turn one year old. As his muscular development progresses, balance is both a quality and skill made manifest at this time of a child’s life. His manual dexterity and fine motor control continue to improve enabling him to pick up very small objects with great precision. He also can go from lying to sitting without any help at this age. It is funny to look at the child climbing up stairs, but doesn't know how to get back down and crawls into corners or narrow spaces, then cries aloud for not being able to get back out. They are really testing themselves!
Now, the baby is becoming more sociable and more playful. Playing is an aspect of this stage of his life which cannot be underestimated. It is said that in the eyes of the child it is more than just play. It is a time for his great many discoveries of his miniature world. He learns that a ball rolls and that he can reach things by pulling with what strength he may have, a mat or a plate for example.
Object permanence, otherwise described the existence of an object though hidden from sight is a principle learned by ten-month old babies. He searches for a toy after watching you hide it. Peek-a-boo is usually a game children this age are fond of. Baby books made of stiff cardboard which are readily available at bookstores are suggested for babies at this age. They are not only colorful but also safe for babies.
The baby’s desire to please his parents is now becoming more profound as he becomes even more attached to them, with increased trust, love and connection. Parents can readily attest that indeed the fruit-age of the belly is a reward. Being put to bed or left alone is now responded with resistance and crying spells. This is because his attachment and need of being shown affection is more felt. This is practically tiresome for mothers and caregivers.
Appreciation of sounds and music is another trait observable at babies this age. He remembers a favorite song and laugh and smile when it's played. He also learns to express himself with gestures and sounds instead of cries.
“Baby talking” or the child’s use of words which sound nonsense to converse starts at this age. Some adults and professionals are debating whether parents should “baby talk” to their child in response to this, but to the child it is simply a stage which shall pass.