Your baby's temperament is how he or she thinks about and reacts to his or her environment. This includes sleeping and eating patterns, sociability, agreeability, response to soothing, and other factors. Some babies are mellow. Others are sensitive and slow to warm to new situations. Still others have robust, high-energy temperaments. Experts now think temperament is largely inborn
rather than a product of external factors and influences.
Can I predict my baby's personality by observing her temperament?
To some extent, yes. You began to form a picture of your baby's temperament
when he or she was as young as 3 or 4 months old. At 10 months, your baby's personality is becoming more defined – you can start to more accurately imagine what he or she will be like in the future by observing his or her actions and disposition in different situations. Look at overall patterns, not any one particular behavior: Your baby may act a certain way (or change her behavior) because of a temporary factor or a developmental stage he or she is going through, so don't be too quick to jump to conclusions about his or her personality.
Is there anything I can do about my baby's temperament?
If there's something about your baby's temperament that has you worried or that you hope to help him or her with (such as shy behavior), it's important to be understanding and not judgmental. Don't label your baby, criticize, or otherwise make him or her feel flawed or "bad," whether in private or in front of other people. Instead, sympathize, and offer encouragement when he or she behaves in a way that seems healthier. Recognize that you can't really change your baby's natural tendencies, although you can encourage certain behavior and help him or her to learn and grow in a way that supports his or her temperament.