At eight-months-old, babies usually range from 25.25 inches long and 15.25 pounds (10th percentile), to 28.5 inches long and 20.5 pounds (90th percentile). This is a big month for locomotion, as your baby starts to crawl. Although most babies naturally go through this scooting around phase, some never learn to crawl - or only crawl briefly before learning how to walk. In a matter of weeks, your little one may also begin to try to pull herself up and stand alone, or move into a sitting position from her stomach.

• "Rake" a raisin toward her on the floor and pick it up as her coordination skills and dexterity continue to develop.
• Clap and bang objects together as her muscle coordination improves.
• Use her arms to ask someone to pick her up.
• Reach for the spoon when you feed her at mealtimes.
• Turn away when no longer hungry.
• Babble random consonants ("di, ba, ma").
• Understand the meaning of "no." Although Baby may understand the meanings of other words by now, the word "no" is key in that by understanding it, she also understands the actions she must take when hearing it.
• Understand a rough idea of "in" and "out." This is the first instance of Baby recognizing a spatial relationship.
• Add tongue movement to change the sound of a word.

Baby will spend lots of time learning about objects and she doesn't learn just by accident. She can now use existing skills together to learn new things.

As her manual dexterity improves, you can begin to let Baby begin feeding herself. Provide a cup and spoon but don't worry if she gets a little messy. She'll quickly learn to eat more neatly.

Babies of this age are very excited about people in general. They love peek-a-boo although may not be able to do it themselves. They also have started gaining object permanence, so hiding things under a blanket is fun game for them. Either you hide and have them to try to find, or you look for it once they have hidden it. Pat-a-cake may also be very popular with your little one as she learns to clap and can join in the game as an active member. Singing songs that have finger plays involved are also a big hit with this age. Songs such as Itsy Bitsy Spider and Mr. Sun help children connect movements to songs. The more they hear it, the more they will begin to act them out with you!

Most babies this age are eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and cereals. Some have been introduced to meat and all should still be either nursing or taking formula. Although many babies are still eating baby food, some are on table foods. As your child shows sign of chewing and swallowing better, offer them lumpier foods such as mashed sweet potato, mashed veggies (versus pureed baby food), slices of whole grain bread, and pieces of pasta. Crackers and cheerios are also a big favorite of babies this age. Each child is different and not all babies will be ready for these foods at this time. Always feed your child seated, and well supervised by an adult. This greatly reduces the risk of choking. If you haven’t done it yet, introduce your child to a cup. This allows them to gain independence as well as develop their coordination. Some parents go for the sippy cup while others use a regular tumbler. Either choice is fine, as long as it works for your child and family. Another good option may be a straw. At this age, your baby may have mastered using a straw or just be learning. As far as what is in the cup, your best choices are breast milk, formula, water or 100 % fruit juice. Some parents choose to dilute the juice with water but regardless, your baby should get no more than 4 oz (1/2 cup) a day. Kool-aid, Gatorade, soda and other type drinks are not appropriate for these young children. They are full of sugars and empty calories that your baby does not need.

It is not likely that your baby will have a visit this month, but remember to write down milestones and concerns as they arise. This gives you a base for questions to ask at your next visit. Also feel free to contact your pediatrician if a concern arises, regardless if you have a scheduled visit or not. Sometimes a phone call can ease a month of worry.

While most have already done so, it is definitely time to make sure that your child's home is as safe as possible. A good way to start is by getting down on your hands and knees to see the world from a crawling baby’s perspective. From this view point, you’ll see towering furniture, open cupboards and doors, steep staircases, and little objects on every surface. If you have older children, there may be toys around that are unsafe for infants. It is especially important as the more mobile your baby has become the more they will discover. All areas of the house that are not appropriate for the baby to have access should be blocked off with baby gates, or doors that are locked. If doors are used rather than gates, make sure pinch guards are installed on the doors so not to hurt little fingers. While most types of gates are fine to use throughout the house, as long as the gates themselves are not a hazard to your child, there are some specific things to be aware of as you are installing gates. Accordion type gates can easily pinch fingers and hurt small children. Also the tops of staircases should NEVER be blocked off with a pressure mount gate. If a child were to push against it and it popped out, they would tumble down the stairs. A sturdy gate, fastened securely to the wall or railing of the stairs is much more appropriate. Also remember that the height of the gate is also important, as children are adventurous and will try to climb over them. One important bit of advice about pressure mount gates in general, regardless of where they are used, is that the average 2 year old can knock one over. Never use a broken gate or one that has been repaired after some sort of accident.

Another area of concern at this age is the bathtub, or really any water. Now that your little one is very quick and keen on pulling up on things, the tub is more dangerous than ever. NEVER leave you child unattended in the tub and avoid using those plastic tub rings as a seat for your child. If they flip over in them they will be unable to free themselves from the seat and the risk of drowning is much greater. Instill in your child, safety precautions while in the water (like always staying seated in the tub, never touch the faucet, don’t drink the water). While they seem young, they understand a great deal of what you are saying and will learn as they grow, so start young. The tub will be slippery because of the soap, so DO NOT allow young children, especially babies to stand in the tub. Also as will all baths since birth, be careful with the water temperature, and the level of water that you have in the tub.

Babies are naturally curious and will explore anything and everything with all aspects of their bodies including their mouths. Most babies are very oral and put inappropriate things into their mouths whenever they have the chance. Encourage older children to pick up their toys and small items that are unsafe for the baby. Explain to them the dangers of choking on these items. Also, discourage your baby from putting things in their mouth that are not meant for eating. If they learn at a young age what is ok and not okay to have in their mouths you may have an easier time keeping them safe. It is also important at this stage to watch for choking hazards in the food you feed your child. The more types of food that your child eats, the more risks of choking there are. Always remember to stay calm and try not to panic if your child gags on something. If they are gagging or coughing or making any sounds, they are technically not choking, and by you grabbing them and moving them all around, you could in fact cause them to choke. They may gag up whatever that is stuck on their own, but be prepared to assist them if they stop making noise or grab at their throat. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself for something like this is to learn infant and child CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. It could save your child’s life.