What’s It Like to be 8 Months Old?

How I Grow

• I crawl backward and forward on my stomach.

• I pull myself up by holding onto furniture, but I have trouble getting back down.

• I stand up if I lean against something.

• I sit without support for several minutes. My neck and back are getting stronger, so I can sit up straighter now.

• I hold onto a toy, such as a rattle, for several minutes.

• I reach for things and hold them with my thumb and first and second fingers.

• I pick up small things, such as pieces of string.

How I Talk

• I let you know if I am happy, sad, or scared by the sounds that I make.

• I still babble a lot and shout to get your attention. I am now an “advanced” babbler, which means I’m making sounds in my family’s language. Spanish babies “speak” Spanish; Russian babies “babble” in Russian.

• I recognize some words.

• I watch and try to copy your mouth movements.

How I Understand

• I am very curious and want to explore everything. I empty drawers, tear magazines, and turn things topsy-turvy. Be sure everything that can harm me is out of reach.

• I know how to solve simple problems, such as making a toy bell ring.

• I understand more of what you say. I know the meaning of "in" and "out."

• I remember events that just happened.

• I like to look at pictures and have you name what's in them.

How I Respond

• I like to pat and kiss my reflection in the mirror.

• I turn and listen when I hear familiar sounds such as the telephone ringing or someone saying my name.

• I love to imitate people I know.

How I Feel

• I am frightened by new experiences and new people.

• I am upset when you leave me, even if it's for a short time.

• I feel so relieved when you return.

• I'm upset when people make a lot of fuss over me.

• I get frustrated or lose my temper when I can’t find something.

One Thing at a Time

Some children prefer talking to walking. Any time they are awake, they are making noises. Some of the noises are squeals and self-invented words.

Other children creep before they talk. It seems that every child creeps in a different way. Some do it backward. Some go forward, even sideways. Some creep on hands and knees, on toes and knees, on one knee and one hand. Some children rock back and forth without moving an inch.

Learning to walk and talk takes time and effort. During playtime with your baby, spend some time practicing the skills he doesn't do on his own. If your baby is a crawler and moves around a lot, practice making sounds. If your baby is a talker, practice moving.