How babies develop in the eighth month

Appointments – What to expect in the eighth month?

Monitor development: There are no routine screening checks or vaccination appointments due during your baby's eighth month of life. If you feel that your child hears less well, is less attentive or active than other children of the same age, make an appointment with your paediatrician to clear up any concerns.
Learning to crawl: Most parents can hardly wait to see their child crawl or walk. Bear in mind that there are no fixed dates for developmental milestones – every child learns at their own pace. As parents you can praise your child and support their development – you can't speed up learning to crawl or walk.

Physical development: In the eighth month your baby can probably already move from lying to a sitting position unaided and sit reasonably steadily. To reach interesting objects your baby will stretch and reach. Some may even be belly‑crawling around the room.
Language development: Even if your child doesn't respond verbally yet, they understand a great deal by now. They know their name and the meaning of frequently used words. They may react with loud protests to things they don't like.
Pincer grip: Babies grab anything that seems interesting. By eight months they can already use the so-called pincer grip and pick up and hold smaller objects between their thumb and forefinger.
Curiosity: There is always something new for your baby to discover. At eight months some of their favourite activities include opening drawers, emptying shelves and exploring plant pots.
Volume control: Your baby can already control their voice quite well. They can deliberately make loud and quiet sounds.