How do you 'manage' an almighty tantrum from a 10 month old? Will I ever be able to get dressed again in the morning without tears?

My formerly happy-go-lucky baby who (as recently as one week ago) used to sit on her play-mat giggling in our bedroom whilst I got dressed for work in the morning has morphed into a screaming, yelling, fighting, tantrum thrower.

Every morning I shower before she wakes up, then go to her room, we have our morning cuddle, followed by nappy change and milk. After this time I get ready for work in the bedroom whilst she (usually) happily sits on her play-mat with a couple of toys and I chat to/with her as I get ready. Last week she starting whining as soon as I put her down on her play-mat. This morning she threw an almighty screaming fit which couldn't be appeased with songs together or pulling funny faces or her toys - it seems she simply wanted to be picked up. Since picking her up when she cries in the morning is simply not a precedent that I am able to set (I have to get dressed and go to the office) I opted to ignore her and continue dressing, brushing my teeth etc. (in the same room) wondering if/hoping that she would simply stop when she saw no reaction from me. Alas not, within minutes she was a sobbing wreck laying on her tummy with her face down kicking her legs and flailing her arms in anger.

Once I was finished dressing I sat her on her bottom, knelt down to her level and tried to calmly tell her that 'Mummy needs to get dressed in the morning so baby will have to wait'. She's 10 months old though...how much, if any, does she even understand from this? I then lifted her into my arms and took her to her room (to dress her) all the time talking to her calmly. It took more than 10 minutes before she stopped sobbing. Finally she was calm enough to dress and we left the house (late).

I've just dropped her at nursery and watching her go off all smiles and giggles with the nursery staff whom she clearly loves to bits and honestly, I'm a wreck. I know that it might sound ridiculous but I feel that I hardly spend any quality time with DD during the week and if every morning is going to one of tantrums and tears...

I don't know at what age a child can understand 'no' and explanations. At what age can you expect a baby (if at all!) to sit calmly and wait for you? This morning I was so torn between just picking her up and giving in instead of leaving her to sob and calmly talking to her. DH doesn't help at all as he will never agree with me on how we are going to handle such situations. This morning he was cross at me for leaving her to cry which just adds even more pressure.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

TIA