1. Rolls over both ways.
At 8 months old, babies are typically able to roll over from front to back and back to front. This skill is an important step in allowing more mobility and freedom of movement, as well as aiding in the development of upper body strength. Rolling over can also help babies learn to observe their surroundings and interact with toys and people.
2. Sits without support.
Babies at 8 months old should be able to sit on their own without any support, such as a pillow or parent's hands. This is an important milestone for balance, coordination, and control of the body. Sitting unassisted also helps babies strengthen their core muscles so they can start to crawl and move around on their own.
3. Creeps on hands and knees.
At 8 months old, babies are usually starting to creep around on all fours using their hands and knees for support. Crawling helps build strength, coordination, and balance in the body as well as aiding in the development of spatial awareness, gross motor skills, problem-solving, and learning.
4. Pulls self up to stand.
At 8 months old, babies are usually able to pull themselves up onto their feet when supported by a stable surface such as a couch or table. This important milestone helps babies practice balance and start exploring the world around them in an upright position. It also marks an important step toward independent walking.
5. Stands holding onto something.
Babies at 8 months old should be able to stand on their own with support from furniture or other objects nearby, such as their parents’ hands. Standing develops strength and coordination in the legs and prepares them for more complex movements and exploration of the environment.
6. Takes steps while holding onto something.
At 8 months old, babies should be able to take a few steps while holding onto furniture or other objects for support. This is an important milestone in the development of balance and coordination and helps babies gain confidence as they practice walking. It can also help them better explore their environment with more freedom.
7. Crawls well.
By 8 months old, babies are usually competent crawlers who can move around quickly and easily on all fours. Crawling is an important skill that helps strengthen muscles, increase coordination, and develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
8. Begins to understand simple instructions.
Babies at 8 months old typically begin to understand some basic instructions, such as “no” or “come here.” This is an important milestone in the development of communication and language skills and helps babies learn to understand the world around them better.
9. Responds to own name.
At 8 months old, babies should be able to recognize their own name when it is called out by a familiar voice. This is an important step in building a sense of self as well as fostering confident social interactions with parents and other people.
10. Recognizes familiar people and objects.
Babies at 8 months old are usually starting to develop object permanence, which means they can recognize familiar people and objects even when they are not visible. This skill helps babies form attachments with loved ones as well as giving them a better understanding of their environment.