Week 42 old
Week 42 (about 10 months): your baby is likely cruising, babbling, and eating more like the family. Here's what's typical and what to watch for.
In short
At 42 weeks (around 10 months), many babies eat 3 solid meals plus 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula a day, sleep about 12-15 hours total with 2 naps, and are busy crawling, cruising, and babbling.
🍼 Feeding
Around 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula a day, plus about 3 meals and 1-2 snacks of varied solids. Offer soft finger foods and a range of textures; a few sips of water with meals are fine at this age.
😴 Sleep
About 12-15 hours total, usually 2 naps (roughly 2-4 hours of daytime sleep) with wake windows of about 3-4 hours. Always place baby on the back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding, pillows, or bumpers.
What's happening this week
- •Around this age, many babies pull to stand and cruise along furniture, holding on as they step sideways.
- •Lots of babies this age use a neat pincer grasp, picking up small bits of food with thumb and forefinger.
- •Babbling often sounds more like real speech now, with strings like "mama" and "dada" — sometimes aimed at the right person.
- •Object permanence is developing, so peekaboo and finding hidden toys are big hits; some separation anxiety is normal too.
Milestones to keep in mind
- ✓These are ranges, not a weekly schedule — by the 9-month checkup the CDC looks for things like sitting without support, looking for objects when they're dropped out of sight, and playing games like peekaboo.
- ✓Heading toward the 12-month checkup, many babies are pulling to stand, cruising, and waving bye-bye — but timing varies widely from baby to baby.
- ✓Many babies respond to their own name and copy simple gestures or sounds around now.
Growth
💡 Tip for this week
Babies pulling to stand can fall, so lower the crib mattress and anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall to prevent tip-overs.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your baby isn't bearing any weight on their legs when held, has lost previously gained skills, makes no babbling sounds or eye contact, isn't sitting steadily, or shows fewer wet diapers, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, poor feeding, or no weight gain over time.
Frequently asked
How much should a 10-month-old eat?
Around this age, many babies have about 24-30 oz of breast milk or formula plus roughly 3 meals and 1-2 snacks of solids a day, but appetite varies day to day and that's normal.
Is it normal that my baby isn't walking at 42 weeks?
Yes. Walking has a wide normal range and most babies don't take independent steps until closer to 12-15 months. Cruising along furniture now is a great sign; mention any concerns at the next checkup.
Why is my 10-month-old suddenly clingy?
Separation anxiety is common around now as object permanence develops. Quick, consistent goodbyes and peekaboo games help your baby learn you always come back.
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.