Month 8

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 17 ½ pounds and is 27 ½ inches long

- the baby may now be able to crawl with his stomach on the floor

Mental Developments:

- the baby is now able to vocalize and make several sounds in one breath

- the baby now begins to understand and comprehend the implications of his own actions

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby will try increasingly to feed himself

- the baby will attempt to taste everything that he holds

Social Development:

- the baby will resist and oppose doing things that is not pleasurable to him or that he does not desire to do

- the baby may still have adverse feelings towards strangers and is likely very attached to his parents

Week 32

Physical Developments:

- the baby weighs 18 pounds and is 27 ½ inches long

- the baby should now be able to crawl while holding himself up; he can also crawl forwards and backwards

- the baby can stand while he holds on to something for support. When doing so, he may practice squatting, which will eventually prepare him in bending over to pick objects up

Mental Developments:

- the baby may begin to say 'mama' or 'dada' when with his parents

- the baby likely enjoys playing games

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby's dexterity has improved to the point that he can hold objects in each hand and manipulate one while looking at the other

- the baby has likely taken to waving good-bye and hello

Social Development:

- the baby is increasingly vocal when he wants attention or desires something

Week 33

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 18 ¼ pounds and is 27 ¾ inches long

- the baby may now be able to stand freely while supporting himself against an object

Mental Developments:

- the baby will begin to combine different acts that he has learned into new actions and begins to see the connections between objects and actions

- the baby is slowly learning the difference between one and more than one

- the baby now has a strong sense of self and is readily expressing his likes and dislikes

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby is able to follow with his eyes something that is pointed to

Social Development:

- the baby now imitates sounds, behaviors, and people even when they are out of his vision or cannot hear them

- the baby is ever more selective about the objects that he plays with. He will push or throw away those that he has no desire to interact with

Week 34

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 18 ½ pounds and is 27 ¾ inches long

- the baby is able to use furniture to pull himself up into a standing position

- the baby's muscle development at this stage is focused on his legs and feet, and arms

Mental Developments:

- the baby is able to solve simple problems such as finding hidden objects

- the baby is also able now to recall past events

- the baby is beginning to understand cause and effect relationships

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby is able to point using his index finger and will use this skill to identify things he desires or that interest him

Social Development:

- the baby will imitate the movements, particularly those of mouths and jaws, of other people

- the baby will use his parents to get objects and other things that he desires that are out of his reach

The baby is beginning to understand language and speak more by the end of the eighth month. He may say some words such as 'mama', 'dada', and 'bye-bye'. He will also have an understanding of words such as 'no'. The range of syllables he uses will also expand. When a persons name or objects name is said that he recognizes he may look at or point to them/it. As well, the baby is familiar with and responsive to his own name being called.

The baby has likely begun to crawl and is exploring more of his surroundings. This new exploration may bring great excitement and novelty to the baby, but may also lead to frustration. His exploration means that there are areas and objects that are now off limits to him for his own safety.

The baby may be interested in playing games such as patty cake or peek-a-boo. The baby can stand himself up with the aid of a piece of furniture. Once standing he may attempt to walk or shuffle sideways while supporting himself on a piece of furniture.

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