Your Baby at Eight Months

Welcome to the eighth month! Your baby is now full of energy and curiosity, exploring every nook and cranny of their world. As they continue to grow, you’ll notice some exciting milestones and perhaps a few challenges along the way. Let’s dive into what to expect this month and how to navigate these changes.

Sleep

At eight months, you might notice that your baby’s sleep patterns are a bit unpredictable. This can be due to a common sleep regression that occurs around this time, as your baby’s development speeds up and their curiosity about the world increases.

Sleep regressions are usually temporary and can last between 3 to 6 weeks. They’re a normal part of your baby’s growth, so while they might disrupt your sleep routine now, it’s important to remember that it’s a phase that will pass. Keeping a consistent bedtime routine and being patient can help manage these disruptions.

Communication

This month, you might hear one of the most heartwarming sounds: your baby calling you ‘ma-ma!’ Their language skills are developing rapidly, and they will start to understand a few basic words like ‘bye-bye’ and ‘milk.’ They may even start responding to simple commands, such as waving when you say goodbye.

Your baby is also beginning to express their likes and dislikes more clearly. They might vocalise or show their preferences when you offer them foods they’re not keen on. This is a great time to keep introducing a variety of foods, even if they seem to reject them at first. It can take multiple attempts for your baby to get used to new flavours and textures.

Movement

By now, your baby may be crawling and exploring every corner of your home. This newfound mobility means they’ll be getting into everything, including emptying out your change bag or reaching for items you thought were safely out of reach. It’s an exciting time as their curiosity leads them to discover more about their environment.

If you haven’t already, it’s essential to baby-proof your home. Ensure that dangerous items, like nappy cream or small objects, are kept out of reach to keep your little explorer safe.

Feeding

As your baby’s appetite grows, you might be increasing their meals to three a day. Continue offering milk with their meals to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Your baby’s taste preferences will become more apparent, and they may let you know what they like or dislike.

Keep offering new foods even if they’re initially rejected. It can take up to 10 tries for your baby to accept a new flavour or texture. It’s also normal for their preferences to change from day to day, so be patient and persistent.

You – Eight Months Postpartum

Have you had your teeth checked recently? Take advantage of the free dental care available up to 12 months post-birth. Booking a quick dental check-up is a great way to ensure your oral health is on track.

You might also notice that the dark line down your stomach, known as the linea nigra, is starting to fade. This line, which was caused by hormones during pregnancy, should continue to lighten during this month. If it hasn’t faded completely yet, it will likely do so in the coming weeks.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health and circumstances.