How to Entertain a Ten-Month-Old Baby

Ten-month-old babies are on the move constantly. Many babies at this age are already expert crawlers and will go quickly from one side of a room to another. They can also pull themselves up to stand while supporting themselves on the coffee table or other furniture.

A baby likes to play games that will give him a chance to use his emerging skills. He also enjoys activities and toys that he can share with his favorite people.

Books

Books have great entertainment value for the ten-month-old baby. Board books are recommended because they will stand up to baby's rough play. Many ten-month-old babies are still mouthing and chewing anything they can get their hands on and a sturdy board book will be chewed on as well.

Touch-and-feel board books that have interesting textures on each page are a big hit with ten-month-old babies. Many babies like colorful books that have simple illustrations on each page. Pictures with faces, either animals or other babies, are especially engaging for ten-month-old babies.

Toys

At ten months of age, a baby doesn't need toys that are complicated or fancy. However, babies of this age have grown past simple rattles and need toys that are a little more engaging.

Look for balls that are small enough for a baby to hold. Some babies are able to push toy cars along the floor at this age. Larger toy cars, specially made for older babies and toddlers are a good bet. Wooden tools with handles that a baby can easily hold are fun. Large blocks are another classic, popular toy.

Don't forget to think outside of the toy box when picking toys for baby. If your baby is bored with his usual toys, raid the kitchen and bring out a few pots and pans for him to play with. A stack of mixing bowls is usually a big hit, as is a basket of spoons or other kitchen gadgets and tools.

For babies that are cruising, a larger push toy is a good investment. A toy shopping cart or lawn mower will help a baby maneuver around the house as he learns how to walk.

Games

The best games for baby are ones that his mommy, daddy or older sibling plays with him. Most babies love a rousing game of peek-a-boo. They also enjoy songs that have an element of surprise, like Pop Goes the Weasel. Sing, dance and lift the baby into the air when you get to the "pop" part of the song. Though most ten-month-old babies won't be able to actively participate in clapping games like Pat-a-Cake, they will love to watch and listen while you clap and sing to them.

Ten-month-old babies are easily pleased and will enjoy just about any game that mommy, daddy or an older sibling invents. Read books to the baby, especially board books that he can explore on his own and engage him in toys, but don't overwhelm him with toys. Most importantly, enjoy being with your ten-month-old baby.