Cognitive
Understanding Cause and Effect
Typical age: 10 months
Around 10 months, babies begin to understand that their actions produce specific results. Pressing a button makes music play, dropping food makes it fall. This cause-and-effect understanding is foundational for problem-solving.
Signs to Look For
- ✓Intentionally drops objects to watch them fall
- ✓Presses buttons on toys to see what happens
- ✓Pulls a string to get a toy closer
- ✓Repeats actions that get a reaction from caregivers
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child develops at their own pace. However, talk to your doctor if you notice:
- •Shows no interest in how toys work by 12 months
- •Doesn't experiment with objects
- •Doesn't look at you for a reaction after doing something
Keep track of every milestone
Check them off as they happen and see what's coming next, based on the same CDC guidelines.
Open the milestone trackerBased on CDC developmental milestones. This is informational only, not medical advice. Every child develops differently. Consult your pediatrician with any concerns.