Safe Sleep at 10 Months
At 10 months, baby is cruising furniture, possibly taking first steps, and more physically capable than ever. The home sleep environment requires attention to new hazards as baby becomes more mobile.
✅ Safe Sleep Checklist for 10 Month Old
Back to Start
Still place on back. Most 10-month-olds sleep in a variety of positions — that's fine.
Crib at Lowest Setting
A 10-month-old who pulls to stand needs the mattress at its lowest setting without exception.
Nothing in the Crib
Two more months until the 12-month mark. Hold the line on no soft items.
Sleep Sack
Continue. The sleep sack also prevents baby from climbing out of the crib.
Bedroom Safety
Baby-proof the room in case they ever climb out: no furniture to land on, no cords within reach, door must be closed.
No Crib Tents
Crib tents/nets are not safety-certified and are associated with entrapment. Do not use them.
📌 Key Note for 10 Month Old
At 10 months, babies who are strong climbers may begin attempting to get out of the crib. The lowest mattress setting and a sleep sack are your best deterrents.
⚠️ Common Mistakes at This Age
- Adding a crib rail cover because baby chews on it (remove the teething ring instead)
- Leaving a baby monitor cord within reach
- Keeping large toys in the crib that baby could use as a step to climb out
- Removing the sleep sack because baby seems to kick it off
🚨 Call Your Pediatrician If…
- Baby is not pulling to stand or cruising furniture by 10 months
- Baby loses skills they previously had — this is always a reason to call the pediatrician
- Consistently loud snoring or breathing pauses during sleep
- Baby is overly difficult to wake or extremely sleepy during the day
Frequently Asked Questions
My 10-month-old keeps standing in the crib all night. What helps?
Practice sitting down from standing during the day so baby learns the movement. At night, go in, lay them down silently, and leave. It typically resolves within 1–2 weeks once the skill is consolidated.
Is it safe to move to a toddler bed at 10 months?
No — toddler beds are recommended no earlier than 18–24 months, or when the child can climb out of the crib. An early transition creates fall risk and disrupts sleep.
Can my 10-month-old sleep with a lovey?
Officially, the AAP recommends waiting until 12 months. Some pediatricians allow a small, flat lovey once baby is mobile enough to push it away from their face — talk to yours.