Week 40 old
Week 40 (about 10 months): your baby is likely cruising, babbling, and eating real meals. Here's what's typical and what to watch for.
In short
At 40 weeks (around 10 months), many babies are pulling to stand and cruising along furniture, eating three meals of solids plus about 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula a day, and sleeping roughly 13-14 hours total with two naps.
🍼 Feeding
Most 10-month-olds eat three solid meals a day, often with one or two snacks, plus about 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula across roughly 3-4 nursing sessions or bottles. Offer a variety of soft table foods and finger foods; water in an open or straw cup is fine with meals. No cow's milk as a main drink, no honey, and keep choking hazards (whole grapes, nuts, hard chunks) off the menu.
😴 Sleep
Around this age babies sleep roughly 13-14 hours total — about 11 hours overnight plus two naps totaling 2-3 hours. Wake windows typically run about 3-4 hours, stretching toward the end of the day. Keep up safe sleep: baby on the back in their own crib, firm flat mattress, and no loose blankets, pillows, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age many babies pull to standing and cruise sideways along furniture, holding on for balance.
- •Babbling often sounds more like real speech now, with strings like 'mama' and 'dada' — sometimes, but not always, aimed at the right parent.
- •Many 10-month-olds use a neat pincer grasp, picking up small bits of food between thumb and finger.
- •Object permanence is strengthening, so peekaboo and looking for a hidden toy become favorite games.
- •Separation anxiety and stranger wariness are common and normal around now.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓By the 9-month checkup, many babies sit without support, move things hand to hand, and look for dropped objects — if your baby isn't doing these yet, mention it at the visit.
- ✓Around this age, watch for pulling to stand, babbling with consonant sounds, and responding to their own name — these are range-framed, not deadlines.
- ✓The next formal CDC checkpoint is the 12-month checkup; between now and then many babies start cruising, waving, and saying a first word.
- ✓Every baby moves at their own pace — bring up any milestone concern with your pediatrician rather than comparing to other babies.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Now that cruising and pulling to stand are common, do a quick baby-proofing pass: anchor furniture and TVs to the wall, lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting, and clear small objects from low surfaces.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer wet diapers than usual (a sign of dehydration), isn't gaining weight or seems to be losing it, has a fever that worries you, or loses skills they previously had. Also flag it if, around now, your baby makes no babbling sounds, doesn't respond to their name, won't bear any weight on their legs when supported, or doesn't seem to notice when you leave the room — these are worth a conversation, not a reason to panic.
Frequently asked
How much should a 10-month-old eat?
Most eat three meals of solids plus one or two snacks, along with about 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula a day. Appetite varies day to day, so follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues.
Is it normal that my 10-month-old isn't crawling or walking yet?
Yes — there's a wide normal range. Some babies cruise before they crawl, and some skip crawling entirely. Walking often comes between about 9 and 18 months. If your baby isn't bearing weight on their legs or moving around to explore at all, mention it to your pediatrician.
Why is my baby suddenly clingy at night?
Separation anxiety peaks around this age and can disrupt sleep. A consistent, calm bedtime routine and reassuring quick check-ins usually help it pass over the coming weeks.
Looking for the bigger picture? See the month 10 overview →
General guidance, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace — talk to your pediatrician with any concerns.