Baby - Eight Month

'Development - Eight Month'

What your baby does at this age:	Picks up small objects between thumb and forefinger. Concentrates on objects themselves rather than the effort required to grasp them. Crawls well. Pulls herself to a sitting position without help. Pulls herself to a standing position by hanging onto furniture, but may not know what to do once she's up. Enjoys games with others. Has a longer attention span. Remembers past events and looks forward to future ones. Is very attached to you and fears separation.
Important Changes:	Your baby's curiousity is growing as she explores her environment in earnest. She chews, bangs, throws, or empties everything in her reach. The urge to climb is getting strong, as your baby tries to climb onto low furniture, climb on open drawers and go up stairs. While she may succeed making the trip up, she doesn't know how to get back down. Your baby is more aware of herself as an independent human being. As she becomes more strong-willed, she gets angry when things don't go her way. She knows what she wants. Her individual eating style and food preferences are emerging. Your baby's eyesight is fully developed. She notices all the details of her environment. Your baby is learning how to function in the world by copying you. She mimics your speech, not in the words but in inflections. She copies the things you do around the house.
Caring for your baby:	Takes breakable, sharp, or pointed items out of the bottom drawers and cabinets in your kitchen, a favorite play area for babies. Special cabinet guards to kneep your baby from opening forbidden cupboards and drawers are available. Try to set aside time for older children if you have them. It will ease sibling rivalry and boost the self-esteem of children who feel they have to take a back seat to the baby. Have emergencies numbers posted near your phone: police, fire department, doctor, ambulance, and poison control center.