Week-by-week library · 8 months old
Month 8
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at 8 months old?
This month, the first commando-crawl attempts might launch a whole new chase.
What's developing
Motor
Early mobility, scooting, commando crawling, or rocking on hands and knees, often begins to emerge around now, though the WHO's typical crawling window spans roughly five to thirteen months, so timing varies a lot.
Motor
Pulling up to sit from lying down and pulling to a stand at furniture may start to appear.
Cognition
Object permanence, understanding that a hidden object still exists, is developing, which is why peekaboo keeps getting funnier.
Try this together this week
- Set out an inviting, safe crawling space and get down on the floor to encourage movement toward you.
- Play peekaboo and hide-a-toy-under-a-blanket games to build on the emerging object permanence.
- Baby-proof low cabinets and secure furniture now, ahead of the extra mobility that often arrives within the next few weeks.
- Offer sturdy furniture at the right height for pull-to-stand practice.
What parents often notice
Some babies skip classic crawling entirely and move straight to scooting, bottom-shuffling, or standing and walking; all are recognized, typical variations, not a missed step.
Sourced to
- World Health Organization, Motor Development Study (WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study)
- Zero to Three, Early Development guides
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.