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Your 8-month-old baby
Crawling, pointing and peekaboo
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Development at 8 months
Many eight-month-olds crawl (or bum-shuffle — both are fine), pull to stand against furniture, and use a pincer-style grip to pick up small pieces of food. Separation anxiety and stranger wariness are normal signs of healthy attachment.
Feeding
Three meals plus milk feeds is common now. Encourage self-feeding with finger foods to build coordination. Continue offering water in an open or free-flow cup rather than a bottle.
Sleep
Separation anxiety can disrupt sleep temporarily. Keep responses calm and consistent. Most babies this age still wake at night sometimes — it is normal, not a sign anything is wrong.
Play & connection
Peekaboo and hide-the-toy games are perfect for this stage. Name objects and body parts as you go. Board books with flaps and textures hold attention.
Focus this month
Keep small objects, cords and button batteries well out of reach now that the pincer grip has arrived — this is the peak age for putting everything in the mouth.
When to check in
Mention it to your health visitor if your baby is not sitting steadily on their own, is not making consonant babble sounds, or does not respond to their own name.
Your 8-month-old baby: common questions
What should a 8-month-old baby be doing?
Many eight-month-olds crawl (or bum-shuffle — both are fine), pull to stand against furniture, and use a pincer-style grip to pick up small pieces of food. Separation anxiety and stranger wariness are normal signs of healthy attachment. Remember this is a typical range — healthy babies reach milestones at very different times.
How much should a 8-month-old baby sleep?
Separation anxiety can disrupt sleep temporarily. Keep responses calm and consistent. Most babies this age still wake at night sometimes — it is normal, not a sign anything is wrong.
What should I feed a 8-month-old baby?
Three meals plus milk feeds is common now. Encourage self-feeding with finger foods to build coordination. Continue offering water in an open or free-flow cup rather than a bottle.
Sources & further reading
- Baby — development and milestones — NHS Start for Life
- Safer sleep advice — The Lullaby Trust
This is general information, not medical advice — every baby develops differently and the ranges here are typical, not targets. Your health visitor and the NHS red book are your personal sources of truth. If you're ever worried about your baby's development, health or feeding, speak to your health visitor or GP. Reviewed July 2026.