Note: All weights and lengths are approximate; each baby is unique. These figures are just general ranges.
Communication and social development
Stranger anxiety continues to be a major theme. The clearer baby learns to distinguish between “friend” and “stranger,” the stronger his reactions. Some babies now literally cling to their caregiver as soon as they come in contact with unknown people. When he’s feeling secure, the eight-month-old baby enjoys babbling and smiling a lot.
What was once essentially a horizontal baby is now an ever-stronger standing or sitting being. Anyone with a playpen will experience baby trying, with perseverance and energy, to pull himself up. If you help him get into a standing position, he’ll be as happy as a clam to stand for a while with his hands on the bars – until he plops down unceremoniously on his bottom, which usually doesn’t alarm or frighten him.
Senses and motor skills
His coordination keeps improving. Baby can reach for a toy with his free hand while holding something in the other.
Interests and activities
A toy telephone is now a source of great joy for baby. He holds the receiver and chats away, and if the telephone also makes noise, all the better.
Reading picture books is also a great idea: The eight-month-old baby will enjoy looking at the pictures along and may even leaf through the pages by himself. Thicker, small board books are easy to handle and help him succeed quickly at turning the pages