8 months old: on the move
Crawling, pulling to stand and clapping may start. Babies understand more words than they can say.
- Age
- 8 months
- Sleep in 24 hours
- 12–16 hours
- Immunisations
- None due this month
Development
Crawling, pulling to stand and clapping may start. Babies understand more words than they can say.
Sleep and feeding
Offer lumpy and finger foods and water in an open cup with meals.
Looking after you
A moving baby needs stair gates, secured furniture and cupboard locks.
This month’s to-do list
- Anchor furniture and TVs to the wall
Common questions
How much should a 8-month-old sleep?
Most babies this age sleep about 12–16 hours in 24 hours, including naps. Every baby is different.
Are vaccines due at 8 months?
No National Immunisation Program vaccines are scheduled at 8 months. The next are at 12 months.
All 12 months
Useful tools
SleepBaby routine trackerKeep feeds, sleep and nappy changes together.FeedingAllergen introduction trackerLog peanut, egg and other first tries.DevelopmentMilestone journalNote the firsts in a private, printable journal.
Related guides
Health & safetyIntroducing allergy foods to your babyWhen and how to offer peanut, egg and other common allergy foods.NewbornBaby sleep routines by age: realistic expectationsSleep needs and settling patterns change as babies develop. Keep expectations flexible.Health & safetyFever in babies and children: when to see a doctorWhat counts as a fever, when it is urgent and how to keep your child comfortable.Health & safetySafe sleep: the guidelines in plain EnglishSix simple steps that lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.