Baby development at 7-8 months: what’s happening
Around this time your baby starts working out how to learn more about his world. For example, he’ll look closely at objects like rings or bells, uncover toys after seeing them hidden, bang blocks together and look for them when he drops them. He’ll still put most things into his mouth too.
Your baby is getting better at picking up things using her thumb and pointer finger. She might also feed herself with her fingers.
Crawling, rolling or shuffling are all ways your baby might be moving around. He can sit on his own and might also pull himself up onto his knees.
At this age, your baby loves playing with you and really enjoys games like peekaboo, ringing bells and finding toys. Copying what you do and making funny sounds or animal noises together with you are lots of fun for your baby. Playing together also helps baby feel loved and secure.
Your baby is babbling. If she’s an early talker you might hear her say 1-2 words like ‘mama’ or ‘dada’, but she won’t know what these words mean. If she’s not using words yet, don’t worry – she’ll use body language to communicate with you. For example, she might shake her head for ‘no’ or wave goodbye.
At this age your baby’s emotions are developing, and he’ll let you know when he’s happy or upset. He might show strong attachment to you and other close family members or carers, but he’s still a bit afraid of new faces. This might show up as separation anxiety and stranger anxiety, which are both a normal part of children’s development around this age.
At this age your baby might also:
- try to chew, which means she’s now ready for food mashed or minced into small pieces
- try to feed herself – for example, by picking up her food or holding a drink bottle by herself
- respond to ‘Come here’
- look for family members if you ask her to – for example, if you say, ‘Where’s Mummy?’, she might look around for her mother
- stand with help.
Source: http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/baby_development_8_months.html
