Parenting/Month 8

Around 8 months, many babies show fear or wariness of people they don't know well. As baby can move around more, he can become separated from you. This can be scary, so baby clings to you more and avoids strangers. Baby is becoming aware of people he does and doesn't know.

Now that your baby is 8 months old and may have some teeth, you can give her some table foods that are mashed with a fork in addition to pureed foods. Mashed foods are a little thicker and coarser than pureed foods.

Many 8 month-old children have trouble settling down to sleep. They're so excited about sitting, creeping, crawling and exploring that they don't want to go to bed! Parents need time to themselves. Don't feel guilty about wanting to enjoy some peace and quiet, or some time with your partner. Baby's bedtime is your decision.

Have you noticed that your baby understands more of what you say? When you say, "look at the ball," baby listens, then looks around until he finds it. Baby is beginning to grasp whole ideas, and is linking his eyesight and hearing together.