How to Stimulate an 8-Month-Old's Senses

At eight months, your baby is getting better at understanding what she sees, and she enjoys imitating and babbling. Let her interests be your guide to helping her grow. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Things You'll Need

• Baking Pans
• Magazines
• Toy Phones

Instructions

1. Take advantage of her increased interest in language by carrying on a running commentary about the things you are doing. Use short but complete sentences.

2. Let her talk on a real or toy phone. Even though she hasn't mastered meaningful words, her babble includes almost all the sounds of language.

3. Go visiting: Exposing her to a lot of people at this age will help her become less wary of strangers.

4. Call her attention to different sounds by naming the source of the sound: the doorbell, rain, running water, a barking dog. She probably won't understand all your words yet, but she'll pay attention to the sounds.

5. Sit her on your lap and place a toy on a mat out of her reach so she has to pull the mat toward her to get the toy. Accomplishing this shows she's learned that one object can rest on another.

6. Give her a wooden spoon and show her how to bang. Then give her different surfaces, such as a cookie pan, place mat or magazine, to bang on so she can learn to recognize the different sound and feel of each surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your baby be your guide when selecting activities: What new skills is she working on? What sorts of toys engage her attention? What makes her smile?

• If a particular activity seems stressful or frustrating, stop and give it a try another day.

• Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.

• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's development.