My 10-month-old is not crawling. Should I worry?

Not necessarily. Some babies skip crawling and move by scooting, rolling, or going straight to pulling up and cruising. What matters more is steady progress in movement overall, such as sitting well and bearing weight on the legs. If your baby is not sitting without support or does not push down with the legs when held standing, mention it to your pediatrician.

When should my baby say a first word?

First words vary widely and may come around the first birthday or a few months on either side. At 10 months, babbling with changing sounds and responding to their name are common signs language is developing. Talking, reading, and repeating your baby's sounds all help. If your baby does not babble at all or does not respond to their name, talk to your pediatrician.

Are 'mama' and 'dada' really words at this age?

Babies often say 'mama' and 'dada' as babbling sounds before using them to mean a specific person. Over the coming weeks many start to connect the sound to a parent. Both stages are normal. Keep responding warmly when you hear these sounds, since that back-and-forth supports real word learning.

Growth & Development · 10 months

10-month milestones: cruising & first words

At around 10 months, many babies are pulling to stand and cruising along furniture, babbling strings of sounds, and may say one early word like 'mama' or 'dada.' These are general patterns, not a checklist. Babies develop on their own timelines, and your pediatrician is the right person to review your baby's progress at well-child visits.

3 min read Growth & Development Updated June 2026

Movement: cruising and standing

Cruising means walking sideways while holding onto furniture for support. Around 10 months, many babies pull themselves up to stand and may take steps while holding on. Some are crawling well, some scoot or roll to get around, and some are not yet mobile. All of these can be within the normal range.

You do not need to rush walking. Standing and cruising build the leg strength and balance babies use later. Give your baby safe, open floor time and stable surfaces to pull up on.

Pulls to stand using furniture
Cruises sideways holding on
Gets into a sitting position on their own
Picks up small objects with thumb and finger

Communication: babbling and first words

By around 10 months, babies often babble with changing sounds, copy sounds and gestures, and respond to their own name. A first word may appear now or in the months ahead. Early words are usually simple and tied to people or routines, such as 'mama,' 'dada,' or 'bye.'

Talk through your day, name objects, and pause to let your baby respond. Reading together and repeating the sounds your baby makes both support language. Understanding usually comes before speaking, so your baby may follow simple cues before saying many words.

Thinking and social signs

Around this age many babies look for objects you hide, play games like peek-a-boo, and reach for a toy they want. They often show stronger reactions to familiar and unfamiliar people, and some have clear stranger wariness or separation upset. This is a normal part of social development.

Simple routines help your baby feel secure. Naming feelings and giving calm, predictable responses support both emotional and thinking skills.

How to support your 10-month-old

You do not need special equipment. Everyday play and conversation do the most. Focus on safe spaces to move and plenty of back-and-forth interaction.

Allow daily floor time for crawling, pulling up, and cruising
Secure furniture and cover sharp corners as your baby climbs
Read, sing, and name objects throughout the day
Offer safe finger foods and let your baby practice self-feeding
Keep regular nap and bedtime routines

When to talk to your pediatrician

Milestones are guides, not deadlines. Bring up any concern at your next visit, and call sooner if your baby loses skills they once had. Acting early gives your baby the best support if extra help is needed.

Consider checking with your pediatrician if your baby does not babble, does not respond to their own name, does not sit without support, does not bear weight on legs when held, or does not look for objects you hide while watching.

Quick answers

My 10-month-old is not crawling. Should I worry?: Not necessarily. Some babies skip crawling and move by scooting, rolling, or going straight to pulling up and cruising. What matters more is steady progress in movement overall, such as sitting well and bearing weight on the legs. If your baby is not sitting without support or does not push down with the legs when held standing, mention it to your pediatrician.
When should my baby say a first word?: First words vary widely and may come around the first birthday or a few months on either side. At 10 months, babbling with changing sounds and responding to their name are common signs language is developing. Talking, reading, and repeating your baby's sounds all help. If your baby does not babble at all or does not respond to their name, talk to your pediatrician.
Are 'mama' and 'dada' really words at this age?: Babies often say 'mama' and 'dada' as babbling sounds before using them to mean a specific person. Over the coming weeks many start to connect the sound to a parent. Both stages are normal. Keep responding warmly when you hear these sounds, since that back-and-forth supports real word learning.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.