Developmental milestones include:

• By 10 months, he can move around by shuffling or crawling
• He can balance himself when sitting – he can reach out for an object without toppling over
• By 10 – 11 months, he can pull up to standing
• By 10 – 12 months, he can walk while holding an adult’s hands
• By 12 months, he can pick up a small object by pincering his thumb and forefinger

What can I do to encourage his physical development?

• Give him lots of opportunities to get moving. Don’t keep him restricted in a high chair, stroller or baby seat when he could be exploring and practicing his new skills.
• Roll a ball with him – he won’t be able to return it but he’ll enjoy chasing after it
• Give him a safe place to play indoors and outside
• Give him a kitchen cupboard that you can fill with toys and plastic kitchen ware that he can take out and put back in – he’ll also enjoy opening and shutting the door.

Signs that suggest a developmental problem:

• By 10 months, he isn’t able to sit without support
• He hasn’t developed any way to move around independently

All children are different and develop at different rates, so don’t be overly concerned if your baby is acquiring new skills at a different rate to those around him. But if you are worried about his development, talk to a health professional for a little reassurance.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include Parenting and Child Health and Raising Children Network.