Key takeaways: Eight-month-olds are often sitting well, starting to crawl or scoot, babbling in syllables, and showing stranger and separation anxiety. These are all skills on the CDC’s 9-month checklist. Ages vary widely, and some babies skip crawling. Childproofing and safe finger foods are important at this stage.
Eight months often brings big leaps in movement and emotions.
Skills Many Babies Are Working Toward by 9 Months (CDC)
Social and emotional:
- Shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers.
- Reacts when you leave.
- Shows several facial expressions.
- Smiles or laughs at peekaboo.
Language:
- Babbles “mamamama” and “babababa.”
- Lifts arms to be picked up.
- Looks when you call their name.
Thinking:
- Looks for objects dropped out of sight.
- Bangs two things together.
Movement:
- Gets into a sitting position alone.
- Sits without support.
- Moves objects from hand to hand.
- Rakes food toward themselves.
Crawling
Many babies begin crawling around this time, but ages vary, and some babies scoot, roll, or go straight to walking. Crawling isn’t on the CDC checklist.
Play Ideas
- Crawling games: place a toy just out of reach.
- Containers: putting things in and taking them out.
- Peekaboo and hide-and-seek with toys.
- Name things throughout the day.
- Read books with flaps or textures.
Feeding
Offer soft finger foods in safe sizes and shapes. Many babies begin trying to feed themselves.
Safety
- Gates at stairs.
- Anchor furniture to walls.
- Store cleaners and medicines up high and locked.
- Watch for small objects on the floor.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if: your baby isn’t showing the skills on the CDC 9-month checklist by that age, loses skills they once had, or you have any concerns about hearing, vision, or how your baby moves or interacts.
The Bottom Line
Eight months brings movement, babbling, and big feelings. Childproof, play, and enjoy watching your baby explore.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: your baby by 9 months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Developmental milestones: 8 to 12 months. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
