How to Play With an 8-Month-Old Baby

For many babies, eight months is a time of transition. Your baby will have her own agenda, knowing what toy she wants to play with and what skills she wants to develop. Let her interests be your guide to play. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hats
• Cups
• Plastic Containers
• Children's Puzzles
• Infant Soft Dolls
• Toy Blocks
• Hats

1. Play peekaboo and other hide-and-seek games. These are fun games as she's learning that you and her toys exist even when she can't see them.

2. Build a tower of blocks and show her how to knock it down. She'll delight in her ability to produce such an outstanding effect.

3. Give her toys that come apart or fit together; she'll find them particularly interesting at this stage.

4. Take turns patting a doll, banging a pot, drinking from a cup or putting a hat on your head. Imitation is one of her primary methods of learning.

5. Give your baby her own kitchen cabinet and fill it with containers and small objects. She'll enjoy her play.

6. Read to your baby. She'll like activity books like "Pat the Bunny." Expose her to a variety of books.

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.

[Mommy-of-2]

on 6/21/2008 Daddy plays the guitar and we have small one too and our boy puts his finger where the cords are and strums it he gets upset if daddy plays with out him. I also gave him an old coco tub and love to pat the top. He would rather play with our stuff then his toys.

on 6/30/2006 My 7 month old daughter loves to "play the drums" with a metal mixing bowl and a rattle. It develops her co-ordination and she's thrilled at the sounds she can create.