8 Months Milestones for Infants

The eighth month of a baby's life marks a period of significant development, where new skills and abilities emerge. 8 month milestones for infants include broadening of their communication horizons, becoming more curious and active. Both physical and neuropsychic development in 8-month-old children gradually transition to exploring their surroundings in an upright position.

In this article, we will explore what 8-month-old babies typically do, what they are still learning, and how parents can support their development.

8 month baby development milestones 

It's important to assess 8 month baby development milestones with an understanding of its dynamic nature. The concept of "normal" is relative, and deviations from average values, whether above or below, should be taken into consideration.

For premature babies, catching up with the physical development milestones of full-term children takes priority. In such cases, infants may achieve 8 month milestones for infants at a later age.

Regular weight checks are crucial even if a baby is eating well. Weight gain should be compared to average values, taking gender and birth parameters into account. Monthly weigh-ins are advisable.

Physical development

During this stage of an 8 month baby development milestones, weight and height are the primary metrics to consider. Gender plays a role in determining these measurements, as do birth parameters and other individual factors. Below are the height and weight ranges for 8-month-old babies, categorized by gender:

Height:

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	26,92	27,80	28,66
Girls	26,14	27	28

Weight:

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	17	19	21
Girls	15,40	17,60	19,80

It's important to remember that every child is unique, and the pace at which they acquire skills varies. While there are specific key milestones, the mastery of these skills is an individual process.

Here's what do 8 month old babies do and typically knows:

1. Improved eye coordination enables a baby to perceive their surroundings better. At this stage of development, milestones of an 8 month baby mean that children begin to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar objects, which is often reflected in their attachment to specific toys, shaping their tastes and preferences.

2. Understanding of words such as "give," "take," and "where." Babies can differentiate speech from other sounds and start to pay attention when someone speaks or directly addresses them. They may furrow their brows when scolded.

3. Babies at this stage often babble extensively, repeating syllables like "ma-ma" or "ba-ba."

4. They can confidently sit down and maintain a sitting position, crawl on all fours, kneel with support, and stand with support. Babies may also indicate a desire to be held, clap their hands, and wave goodbye.

5. Infants begin to express their needs through gestures, such as rubbing their eyes when tired or pointing to their lips when hungry. They are smart enough to wave goodbye with a smile in response to the phrase "bye-bye."

6. Gestures become a means of communication as babies point to the toys they want. They also imitate sounds and gestures made by their parents.

7. Teething babies often put various objects in their mouths to alleviate discomfort. Parents should ensure that there are no potentially dangerous items within the baby's reach.

8. A significant milestone is the awareness of height. Babies are now capable of stopping themselves at the edge of a crib, realizing the risk of falling.

Social development

At this age, babies often develop strong attachments to their mothers, and her absence can lead to upset or distress. They frequently smile and laugh, responding with joy to praise and engaging games. Babies may also express frustration or cry when they encounter difficulties.

What do 8 month old babies do? This is an ideal age for both boys and girls to engage in play with dolls, a practice believed to contribute to comprehensive development and social adaptation within their environment and society.

Babies are becoming more adept at imitating and interpreting emotions. They develop a sense of humor and can discern between serious and playful situations. If a parent closely observes and then starts laughing, the baby will often respond with a smile. Sharing laughter enhances communication and socialization, which are vital aspects of a stage in the 8 month milestones for infants.

Also: How to Be a Good Mother: 4 Tips

Tips for parents

To ensure a baby's normal and full development, maintaining a consistent daily routine is essential. This includes adhering to regular bedtime and meal times.

Teething occurs during this period, which can lead to episodes of crying, fussiness, and reduced appetite. Parents should closely monitor their baby's health during these moments, use teething aids and gum gels, and adjust the daily routine to ensure the child gets adequate rest and spends time outdoors.

Continue reading books to your baby and focus on the illustrations, describing what is depicted. This stage of 8-month baby development milestones is crucial for learning new things through observation, as babies have mastered the skill of imitation.

Another reason why babies need plenty of warmth and care during the eighth month is supported by scientific research. Babies who receive increased tenderness and care from their parents tend to be more resilient to stress in adulthood.