from Enfamil
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New Attention Grabbers
Forget the toys. Babies are fascinated by everyday objects. Your baby would rather play with car keys, pots, pans and the remote control.

And soon she’ll take this fascination to a new level. At around 10 months, babies start imitating everyday behavior. So your 10-month-old may try to use the phone, brush her hair or stir her cereal with her finger. This is more than simply having fun. Your baby is learning through observation.

Social Communication
Most babies learn the meaning of the word “no” at around this age. And although your baby probably won’t say it, she will understand it. Saying “no” firmly and clearly is a good way to set limits. Especially when your baby’s safety is at stake.

Don’t be surprised if your 10-month-old starts shaking her head from side to side when she doesn’t want to do something. This head shake is one of the earliest gestures babies make.

Separation Wariness
This month your baby may start acting a bit funny around strangers. What happened to your sweet, affectionate, outgoing child? “She’s not usually like this,” you say when she cowers and cries around relatives or friends.

Parents often feel embarrassed and anxious when their babies get “clingy.” But stranger wariness and its twin, separation wariness, are actually healthy signs. The fact that she’s experiencing them means your baby is learning the difference between familiar and unfamiliar situations.

She’s also learning about object permanence. Meaning she’s beginning to understand that things continue to exist even when she can’t see them.

Separation wariness occurs because your baby knows you’re out there somewhere and she wants you back.

Brain Teaser
Did you know……development in the brain’s frontal cortex is associated with solving problems and controlling emotions?

A Mind of Her Own
As your little one prepares to walk, she knows her independence in all kinds of ways. Master of her universe, she cruises around her crib, taking small, then big steps. And now, she responds to things with extra emphasis.

Like shaking her head when she says no. She’s not only expressing herself, she’s trying to do grown-up things she’s observed. That may include using a hair brush on her delicate locks, or picking up the phone to make a call.

Your Daily Vitamin D
Your baby needs vitamin D as part of a balanced diet. Among other things, vitamin D helps develop strong bones and teeth by aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It’s easy to make sure your growing baby gets enough vitamin D by feeding her Enfamil® NEXT STEP® LIPIL® milk-based toddler formula. If she doesn’t take at least 17 fluid ounces of formula daily, ask your doctor about a vitamin supplement.

Getting Used to Independence
While your baby is enjoying her new independence, she may have other feelings about it, too. You may notice that she’s becoming a little more clingy now and then. Or she may boldly crawl away from you, then look frightened if she can’t find you. Experts call it separation anxiety, and it’s very normal at this stage. Your love and patience will help her find the balance between needing Mom and needing to be her own little person.

See What’s Coming

  • See how your baby is stepping up to the plate.
  • It’s time to start reading him stories.