25 Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds, According to Parents and Experts
As a first-time mom to a now 8-month-old baby girl, I love watching my daughter get stronger and more discerning by the day. Every morning I get her from her crib, I swear she is more alert and animated than the day before. And experts tell me it’s not my imagination.
At 8 months old, “baby’s becoming more mobile, more communicative and exploring the world around them,” explains Jana Sarno, BCBA, a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers. A huge part of this is how much their depth perception is improving. They’re starting to recognize you and other familiar faces from across the room. Cue reaching out and grabbing more, examining objects more closely and flashes of separation anxiety when you leave their line of sight.
So, if you—like me—are finding the toys your baby loved a week ago are now gathering dust, fear not: this is a regular rite of passage. To help you sail through it, we’ve rounded up expert- and parent-tested-and-approved picks that encourage exploration, strengthen milestones and (most importantly) keep your 8-month-old happily entertained.
Plus, we’ve organized our selections by different ways of playing and the different skills the toys help baby practice, whether working on their fine motor skills or encouraging bonding and self-regulation. Of course, no two eight-month-olds are the same, and these toys are intended to meet your baby where they are on their own little journey.
“Babies at this age are craving to explore,” says Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a family doctor in Nashville, Tennessee. They are “learning how to interact with the world and people around them and they are very curious.” To satiate even the most curious, mobile 8-month-old, The Bump Editors took the following steps:
- We interviewed a board-certified behavior analyst, an early childhood educator and a family doctor for guidance on how to select developmentally appropriate toys for 8-month-old infants.
- We combined expert input with extensive market research to narrow down the most engaging, developmentally appropriate toys for 8-month-olds.
- We tested many of these toys with real families. Each product tester unboxed and used the individual toys with their child during playtime and evaluated them based on ease of use, play and entertainment value, learning and skill-building, quality and durability, value for money and, of course, baby’s reaction.
- We conducted a survey of parents within The Bump community asking about their favorite toys for 8-month-olds (and why)
- To understand how these toys have worked for various little ones, we consulted product testers, scoured external forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in the best toys for 8-month-olds.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
“At around 8 months old, you can expect a crawling baby who is pulling up, or starting to pull up,” explains Jennie Monness, an early-childhood educator and co-founder of Union Square Play in New York City. “Your baby is also close to or has started sitting up on their own without support”—although you’ll still need to catch them sometimes! As their gross motor skills and balance improve, these toys can help baby keep on developing the strength they’ll need for crawling and eventually, walking:
- 15+ activities and three play modes
- Encourages standing in a safe, secure space
- Adjusts to four heights
- Machine washable seat pad
- Chair doesn't swivel very easily
Some babies don’t just sit and play. They investigate. And while we love a curious baby, if your little one has begun treating the entire living room like their personal baby gym, it might be time to channel that energy somewhere more secure. The Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Activity Jumper meets that instinct with space to move, reach and explore safely. A rotating 360-degree seat and adjustable height let baby shift between six interactive toys, experimenting with what happens when they push, twist or bounce.
The Baby Einstein Activity Jumper packs over 15 activities, including interactive toys, lights, music and ocean sounds—plus link loops so you can add more to the experience. “Our child greatly enjoyed the diversity of toys and how each section of the activity center had one central activity and two secondary activities,” shares our product tester Megan M. who tested it with her 8-month-old. As baby gets older, they can level up to Learning Mode, which teaches color and numbers in three different languages. Neptune the Turtle is also removable, so baby can take it down to the floor or on the go.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
Our product tester says:
“Our child really enjoyed playing with it in ten to fifteen-minute batches. There was a possibility of them playing longer; however, that was only if he didn't get stuck between sections. Our child absolutely loved rolling the crab encased in a plastic shell. He particularly liked it when he rotated it quickly and could hear the beads inside rattling around.”
- Keeps baby entertained at multiple crawling stages
- Expert recommended
- Movement encourages baby to crawl and chase
- Motion sensors avoid walls and furniture
- Some complain that “circle mode” doesn’t work
- Can be over-stimulating for some babies
- Volume feels loud to some
From sitting-up soloist to crawling crusader, your 8-month-old is closing in on a major developmental milestone. And there’s no better coach than a toy with movement and sound that “can encourage crawling, language and sensory development,” says Sarno. Her recommended pick? The Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Bee Crawl Toy. “[It] spins and moves in circular patterns to stay close, plus teaches cause and effect, as it stops when baby gets a hold of the bee,” explains Sarno. And it’s not only experts who favor it.
“When my son was almost 8 months old, a friend suggested I try the Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Bee Crawl Toy,” shares Christine, mom of two and contributing editor to The Bump. “I promptly took her advice, and boy am I glad I did! This was right around the time that my son began to crawl, and he got such a kick out of the lights, music and buzzing bee.” The motorized toy spins in circles and has motion sensors to avoid collisions with your couch or other playroom obstacles. It offers three play modes based on baby’s developmental stage, so pre-crawlers, beginners and advanced crawlers can all enjoy this toy.
Age range: 5+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
- Easy to move around into different configurations
- Works well for older kids too
- Sturdy and well-made
- Washable covers
- Larger footprint
- May be cumbersome to store when not in use
Hands up whose 8-month-old has reached a whole different level of hyper! For a tiny being with scooting and crawling barely in their repertoire (if at all yet), their energy bursts are one for the books. “Eight months is one of the most exciting times in a baby and parents life! They are probably not walking yet, but they’re very likely moving in the direction of mobility,” enthuses Purdy. Her recommendation? Baby-proof everything. And that includes providing them with a soft and safe play space for them to explore their newfound physical abilities.
These soft foam modular blocks are a fun way for baby to climb and explore over different angles and shapes. Individually pieced, parents can rearrange the blocks to create different configurations that match your baby’s current milestones, from early crawling to more adventurous exploration. What’s more, older kids love these blocks too, making this a toy that will likely stick around long after the baby days are behind you.
Age range: 8+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: Y
- Works for both seated play and for baby’s first steps
- Sturdy and tip-resistant
- Limited use after baby is confidently walking
If baby has the urge to be upright before their muscles have developed the leg strength to keep them there, a walker offers a thrilling middle ground. And this brand-new option by Fisher-Price offers that and then some. Designed to grow with baby from seated play to those exciting first steps, it does double duty as both an activity center and a walker. If your 8-month-old is content to keep it ground level, the front features five balls, chimes and a bead slider that give baby plenty to explore while seated. And for those that feel the need to leap to the next level, the baby-powered walker encourages little ones to practice balance, coordination and early walking.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
At 8 months, baby’s fine motor skills are developing and Purdy tells us they’re likely “picking up objects with a thumb and forefinger, which is known as pincer grasp, and passing objects from one hand to the other.” You may even see them scanning their surroundings, with greater focus than before. Toys that encourage baby’s new attention to detail and physical abilities to engage in their surroundings more intentionally are especially fun—and useful—at this age. Here’s four that caught our eye:
- Soft, squeezable texture
- Safe for teething and mouthing
- Easy for little hands to grip
- Supports color, animal and letter learning as baby grows
- May go moldy if dunked in water
By 8 months old, baby’s depth perception is gaining serious ground as they learn to judge how high and close things really are. Cue reaching, grabbing and movement for days—nothing the stackable, squeezable, soft Elemenosqueeze Baby Blocks can’t handle. Their lightweight, easy-to-grasp design lets baby reach for, grab and topple towers with satisfying precision, all the while helping them gauge distance and refine fine motor control.
“My baby couldn’t stack them himself yet, but he loved reaching toward small towers I set just out of his immediate grasp,” shares our product tester and mom of two Amber. “And he often succeeded in knocking them down.” Made from safe, chewable materials, these blocks are also gentle on gums and little hands, making them just as fun to gnaw as they are to build with. “The triangular ones seemed to be his favorite because they were easier to grip and chew,” adds Amber.
While her little one is 2 months shy of 8 months old, Amber sees the B. Toys baby blocks only growing in appeal as he gets older. “At this stage, it’s age-appropriate as a teething and grasping toy,” she observes. “And I think it will only become more valuable as he grows into stacking, sorting and learning letters.”
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Double as teether toys
- Easy to grasp
- Durable pieces
- Mixed reviews on ease of assembly and disassembly
According to Sarno, these sweet little farm animals can help baby develop fine motor skills, learn sound recognition and explore sharing. They have a distinctive knob-and-socket design, so babies can easily pull them apart and pop them back together. Turns out this simple mechanism is a great way to fine-tune those burgeoning fine motor skills, as babies have to pick up each half and align the separate pieces before clicking them into place (tada!).
The Pop Blocs Farm Animals toy set offers bountiful language opportunities too. “Communication is really budding at 8 months of age,” explains Sarno, who advises caregivers to support language development by adding in sounds, rather than just words. “For instance, when playing with [this] set of farm animals, imitate the animal noises, rather than simply saying the animal names."
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Chunky beads are easy to manipulate
- Made of beechwood with nontoxic paint
- Board book encourages early STEM learning
- Younger babies may not show immediate interest in the bead maze
Is there such a thing as starting science education too early? Elevating the classic doctor’s office bead toy into a clever model of an atom, KiwiCo Atom Bead Maze says no. And the STEM-led toy truly is clever. The chunky beads symbolize the six electrons in a carbon atom, while the clutching toy models the nucleus. It offers a simple problem-solving challenge—as your 8-month-old manipulates and navigates the beads over the arches, it keeps their inquisitive minds engaged and laser-focused.
Plus, the variety of textures and movement of the clutching toy stimulates sensory exploration, enhancing their attention spans. This educational toy for 8-month-olds also comes with an accompanying board book that explains how atoms are the building blocks of matter, forming everything we see and touch in the world around us.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Sturdy and durable
- Colorful pieces
- Dynamic movement for a wide range of play
- Mixed opinions on material quality
Another milestone for the eight-month mark: babies begin to develop spatial awareness, understanding how objects relate to themselves and their surrounding space. And what better way to encourage spatial awareness than a stacking toy. Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo are colorful stacking spheres that little ones can roll, stack, spin and topple to further develop this critical skill needed for crawling, walking and exploring their world! Each bright and colorful piece is gently weighted, making them easier to stack for endless educational fun.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Baby is a little sponge right now and not just for new skills like language and communication, but for faces and affection. “Early communication and social skills begin to emerge around this stage,” says Sarno. “At 8 months, infants typically display their emotions through facial expressions and body language, as well as make sounds like ‘ma ma ma ma’ and 'babababa.’ They may also understand their name or certain words.” Here’s three toys that can help reinforce those ever-increasing connections and moments of bonding between baby and those that love them:
- Baby-proof construction
- Custom theme options
- Easy to personalize
- No prewritten story
- Cover design is minimal
Your 8-month-old’s world is expanding, but their favorite faces are still the main event. “Babies at this age are more aware, and with that comes more attachment,” explains Monness.This can be anything from caregivers to a favorite photo or stuffed animal. “Honoring what they are drawn to and attached to is encouraged,” Monness adds. “It can be a source of comfort and self-soothing for them.” The Artifact Uprising Baby Board Book helps turn that fascination for the familiar into a learning moment. The custom photo layouts let you pair family photos with simple words like “Mama” or “Dada,” supporting both language development and emotional security.
“My daughter absolutely loves this book,” shares our tester Korin, a mom of four. “She loves seeing herself on the pages and pointing out family members to us.” Every picture and word is for you to customize any way you want, with options to go 20, 30, or even 40 pages long. And with its thick, rounded pages and durable spine, this personalized board book is baby-safe and built to last.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Our product tester says:
“This has the most personalization of all of the books we tested. My daughter appreciated seeing her family members on every page and loves pointing everyone out. She loves that this is 'her' book—she's on the cover!”
- Simple hand signs
- Colorful illustrations to engage baby
- Very simple illustrations
It’s “Itsy Bitsy Spider” but not quite as you might expect. Annie Kubler’s iteration of the well-known nursery rhyme includes simple sign language beautifully illustrated by the author herself. Learning sign language helps babies grasp the fundamentals of communication, paving the way for early language development and making it easier for them to transition to speaking their first words.
Even if you decide not to introduce baby to sign language, reading this book with your little one daily will have major cognitive benefits. “Babies love repetition because it provides familiarity and a sense of comfort,” explains Monness. “That’s also why babies love hearing the same songs and reading the same books, they can predict what will come next and even be a more active participant. It may seem like baby isn’t focusing or listening, but they’re truly taking it all in,” continues Monness.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Our expert says:
Music and books can spark development. Books with pictures and words that go along with familiar songs like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Los Pollitos” (for Spanish-speakers) introduce language in a fun, new way, plus help them retain it. - Jana Sarno, board-certified behavior analyst
- Made with certified organic cotton yarn
- Hand-knitted
- Stuffed with hypoallergenic polyfill
- Expensive for a hand puppet
If you appreciate handmade toys, Cuddoll’s hand puppets may be instant winners for you. Hand-crafted from GOTS-certified organic wool, these vibrant puppets have a homespun vibe thanks to the exaggerated features (love the big eyeballs!) that immediately capture baby’s attention. High-quality textured stitches make for a tactile and durable toy that fosters interactive play from 8 months old and beyond. Social interaction becomes critical at this stage, and baby’s response to stimuli is paramount—interacting with a hand puppet, especially a colorful one, encourages socialization through play. This unique hand puppet allows caregivers to create their own stories and let little ones’ imagination soar through storytelling and pretend play!
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
To build on baby’s blossoming physical and social skills, Purdy recommends toys that involve reciprocal play or cause and effect. Rolling a ball back and forth is one example. Toys with buttons that trigger lights or sounds are another. Simple games like that reinforce the idea of cause and effect, subtly empowering baby through play.
- Illustrates cause-and-effect
- Spinning lights are visually engaging
- Low learning curve
- No “off” button for the music
Cause-and-effect learning is a big deal for baby. That moment they realize one push from their hand causes a clear and obvious action that transforms their movement from accidental to intentional. It’s the foundation for so much future learning and Bright Starts’ spinner toy is a fantastic example of how to make building it all the more engaging.
The dynamic, aquarium-like design features spinning fish characters, flashing lights and upbeat melodies that come alive with every push of the star plunger. But the best part is the low learning curve. “I showed her how to press the button once and she caught on fast,” shares our product tester and mom of three Jennifer F who tried it with her 10-month-old daughter. “She enjoyed it a lot. It keeps her entertained for 1-3 minutes at a time.”
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
Our product tester says:
“Our daughter loved the toy, the sounds and the lights. She was able to push the button and pick up the toy on her own. The lights and sounds add extra sensory experience over toys that have none or just one.”
- Engages multiple senses
- Grows with baby from crawling to walking
- Durable and well-made
- Not overly loud
- The talking voice can be a little robotic
Keeping an 8-month-old's attention focused is practically a full-time job at this age; their brain is firing on all cylinders. Finding a toy that can steady it (and leave you some of your own to spare elsewhere) is a win worth celebrating. And this interactive train by VTech has a lot to celebrate. Designed for babies 6 to 36 months, the Pop & Sing Animal Train combines movement, sound and surprise to hold focus while encouraging cause-and-effect learning. “He's been loving this since around 6 months,” shares Nicole, a mom of one. “He loves to watch the animals pop up and then shut them back in. It keeps him occupied for longer than most toys.”
With plenty of tactile features for fidgety fingers, it’s a great attention-holding toy for 8-month-olds. Baby can press, push, flip and twist the dials to make the hidden animals pop up (and pop down again), while upbeat songs and light-up effects add an extra layer of sensory fun. Crawlers can push the train forward to watch the smokestack flash in rhythm, and as baby grows, the pull cord rewards new walkers with melodies and motion.
Age range: 6 to 36 months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
- Motion detector triggers different musical modes
- Curved handle makes it easy for baby to grasp
- Some say music and sounds are glitchy
Baby rattles have been used to soothe and amuse infants going back thousands of years—but they also make adorably simple conduits for cause-and-effect learning. And this pick by Sophie la Giraffe has a few advanced features that set it apart from a regular rattle. You can toggle between “awake” and “music box” mode to trigger sounds and lights using motion detection technology. With the first setting, the sound speeds up or slows down based on the rhythm of the wrist. If you want to help baby unwind after an active play session, music box mode plays soothing melodies, gentle lights blink and the colors change with every shake of the rattle.
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
- Two adjustable volume levels
- Interactive with lights, sounds, and catchy songs
- Helps teach babies colors, counting and more
- Difficult to play with if baby doesn’t sit up independently
Between the banging, grabbing and throwing, your 8-month-old is getting a crash course in cause and effect, and loving it every minute of it. Few toys capture cause-and-effect learning quite like the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Magical Lights Fishbowl. “This toy was a favorite that kept him occupied for extended periods,” shares Christine, mom of two. “He would smile and giggle once he realized that placing the fish and sea critter toys in and out of the fishbowl triggered a light show complete with songs and sounds.”
Christina, a Bump survey respondent and mom of an 8-month-old, also had high praise for this toy. Her daughter “loves pulling the fish out of the bowl, putting them in her mouth and putting them back into the bowl,” making it a firm favorite for strengthening hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This toy has staying power, too, with three buttons to level up their play from cause and effect to early alphabet and number learning. “At nearly a year and a half, my son still enjoys his Magical Lights Fishbowl,” adds Christine.
Age range: 6 to 36 months| Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
Our community says
I like that there are multiple ways my baby can enjoy this toy, not just the lights and sounds, but also the reaching in and taking toys out. – Christina, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
There’s nothing more as curious than a baby, and at 8 months, that curiosity seems to be growing by the day. The world around them is their classroom, and baby is soaking it all in, exploring new sights, sounds and textures as they begin to move more independently. As wonderful as that is, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents, and keeping up with a little one on the move can be a challenge. Here’s three toys that capture baby’s attention—and hold their curiosity:
- Colorful design
- Maracas are lightweight and easy for baby to grip
- Child-safe mirror on tambourine
- The fabric end of the rattle is not easy to clean
If you need a toy to keep your wriggly little one busy during diaper changes, take your pick from the Fisher-Price Tambourine and Maracas Gift Set. Designed with tiny hands in mind, this musical set of three invites baby to shake, rattle and rock it out while improving their hand-eye coordination. Sarah*, a mom of one, says her 8-month-old son “loves the colors,” which capture his attention and motivate him to reach out and grab the instruments.
Beads inside the maracas make a gentle sound that keeps baby shaking, promoting visual tracking and coordination. “He loves to shake the maracas,” affirms Sarah, who adds that her little music-maker is a big fan of the sounds this toy makes. The tambourine’s built-in mirror deepens the discovery, encouraging baby to lift and move it into their line of sight. “I personally love how lightweight they are,” adds mom of two Christine. “And the fact that they have soft fabric on one end makes them an age-appropriate toy that safely hones hand-eye coordination skills.
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Our community says
I like that I can play with him. I can have a maraca, and he can have one. I love that it doesn't have batteries. - Sarah*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent.
- Doubles as a rolling toy
- Multiple ways to play
- Automatic shutoff after two stationary minutes
- Mixed opinions on volume control
Bristling at the thought of giving your 8-month-old a drum kit? The benefits definitely outweigh any racket caused by this little baby drum. “Anything that allows baby to ‘play’ their own music is a huge developmental win,” explains Mark Coster, founder and editor-in-chief of STEM Geek, a website dedicated to STEM activities for kids of all ages. Babies can sit upright and use their palms to drum on the red or blue circles for different timbres of sound.
But they’re also getting a masterclass in gross motor skills as this little drum encourages movement. Baby can roll the toy along the floor and crawl after it, or turn it from side to side using both hands to trigger new tunes. “As a mom of two, I’ve been a fan of Hape toys since my 4-year-old was an infant,” says Christine. “Sustainable wooden materials, engaging colors, and education-based play are Hape’s focus, and I feel that the brand really lives up to this commitment.”
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
- Works for both floor play and crawling
- Has four language settings
- Plays classical melodies
- Parents have mixed opinions on volume control
This toy is designed to pique baby’s curiosity, whether they’re sitting and playing on the floor or already crawling at full speed. A stabilizing stand keeps it in place for stationary play, giving baby a chance to explore its colorful shapes and numbers while listening to spoken words and classical melodies. When baby is ready to get moving, simply press a button to retract the stand and watch it bop and roll along. Its rattling wheels and playful movements encourage baby to crawl after it, while a mirror and bright colors, shapes, and numbers offer plenty to discover along the way.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
At 8 months, baby is becoming increasingly fascinated by textures and shapes and is starting to make the connection that objects come in all different forms. “Babies may love to touch water, squeeze and touch, soft things,” notes Sarno. “And put their hands in mouth on anything they possibly can!” From teethers and bath toys to tactile stackers, here’s four promising options to satisfy baby’s sensory curiosity:
- Design encourages sensory and reciprocal play
- Minimalist duo-tone look
- Easy to take apart and clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Corner ridges can be harder to clean
For 8-month-olds, bath time often doubles as clean up and playtime, making it the perfect opportunity to slip in some sensory learning between splashes. Part teether, part bath toy, the Biggest Little (Un) Ordinary Squirty Bath Toy is an all-around developmental win. Made from food-grade, mold-resistant silicone, this squeezable ball can be filled with water for bath play. Its patented design opens completely, allowing you to easily clean and dry every surface—no hidden crevices, no trapped water, no surprise mold. It’s dishwasher safe, too.
Plus, the ball’s lightweight build and soft, grippy texture make it super easy for your 8-month-old to hold and squeeze, whether in the bathtub or during tummy time on the floor. In fact, when it comes to “what we might call reciprocal interaction or cause-and-effect,” Purdy highly recommends toy balls. “Think about rolling a ball, back-and-forth,” says Purdy. “Your baby will be delighted at the give-and-take of toys like this.”
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Affordable price point
- Plush mushroom makes a crinkle sound
- Silicone teething ring
- Some parents felt it was too small
- A little tricky to clean
Teething relief and a soothing sensory toy all in one? Yes, please! Designed for infants from birth onward, the Itzy Ritzy Mushroom Pal Infant Toy & Teether features a silicone ring, textured ribbons and a plush mushroom toy that makes an enticing crinkle sound. This tactile combo appeals to baby’s senses while the leaf-shaped teether gently soothes sore gums.
Morgan, a Bump survey respondent, shared that her baby frequently laughed and stayed engaged for half-hour intervals while using this toy—no small feat for an 8-month-old. It also doubles as a stroller toy thanks to the handy ring that clips onto a stroller or car seat handle. With its mix of touch-friendly textures and teething relief, this adaptable toy truly supports baby’s growth and evolving needs.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Our community says
[Baby] loves the crinkle sound and chewer toy attached. – Morgan*, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
- Easy to stack
- Made from soft materials
- Larger than traditional stacking toys
- Some parents say it’s hard to keep the top of stack on the post
Stacking toys are classics, but sometimes their design can make it too challenging for baby to play independently with rings that only fit on their post if they're stacked in a particular order. We love that this Melissa & Doug stacker toy is designed to be easy for baby to use with its soft rings and post. And unlike traditional plastic or wooden stackers, this toy is made of soft materials, so you don’t have to worry about baby hurting or banging themselves during play. Baby will love discovering the different texture of each ring, from crinkly materials to a teething ring to a “pineapple slice” that acts like a rattle.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Designed to be held by small hands
- Easy to clean
- Can be secured to stroller for on-the-go play
- Some parents find sounds grating
- Flashing lights might be too stimulating for some babies
This talking and singing plush cow offers plenty to discover, from its cheerful moos and songs to the shapes and colors it announces when baby presses its buttons. Designed for little hands to easily hold and grasp, it features a variety of fabric textures, a rattling bead ring and lights to engage baby’s senses. Parents will appreciate the two volume settings and the ability to attach the toy to a stroller, making it an entertaining companion for outings, too.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
At 8 months, baby is just starting to learn the concept of object permanence, but they haven’t quite grasped it yet. Separation anxiety is about to reach its peak and although it may be hard for both you and baby, it’s a good sign of a healthy parent-baby bond. It also presents a new opportunity for baby’s development. “They are learning to find comfort and support from other things besides their parents,” explains Sarno. The toys you select now can help not only curb the clinginess but also nurture those emerging skills and support their development.
- Super-soft fabric
- Machine-washable
- Stitched feature
- Some caregivers felt the size didn’t justify the cost
At the eight-month mark, it’s not uncommon for baby to experience separation anxiety. “They are aware of the comings and goings of their caregivers,” explains Monness. “It’s why I always say to make sure to tell even the youngest babies when you are leaving, even to use the bathroom. When you do this all along, they can rely on and trust that you always come back.” It’s also perfectly natural for 8-month-olds to start showing preference for certain objects to help them cope with such big feelings.
Our advice? Invest in this sweet soother blanket by Jellycat. Made from a soft and snuggly plush material, the square blanket has a bunny that clings to the edge—offering both a stuffed animal and comfort blanket in one. Baby will enjoy gumming on the bashful bunny’s long ears and cuddling the toy in moments when they’re overcome with emotion. And you can rest easy knowing its premium fabric has stitched features for safety.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
- Satin tags offer soothing tactile stimulation
- Perfectly sized for little hands to grab and explore
- Embroidered details
- Machine-washable
- Some babies may outgrow interest once they move past tactile play
Donning soft microfiber and the Mary Meyer signature satin tags, the Taggies Buddy Dog has gained quite the reputation as a tactile companion to infants and toddlers alike. Every bit the comfort toy, this 12” pup stands out for its huggable texture, floppy ears and endearing lopsided grin. But its real appeal lies in the patented looped tags designed for tiny hands to grab, rub and explore.
Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce at The Bump, recalls how quickly his daughter took to her Taggies plushie. “It was one of those happy coincidences where my daughter was right at the age for pinching and exploring with her fingers,” he shares. “She’s always been a girl who loves a snuggly plushie, so it was great on multiple levels.” Plus, with its embroidered eyes and mouth, the Buddy Dog is a solid baby-safe stuffed animal for 8-month-olds, too.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N | Assembly required: N
Our community says:
DS loves his Taggie, but it's really funny–the tag he goes for most often is the actual manufacturer's tag! Lately, he loves tags on all toys. – krispy83, The Bump forum member
- Features an adjustable volume switch
- Made from ultra-soft polyester fabric
- Separate bedtime and daytime modes add play variety
- Attached accessories won’t go missing
- Not for overnight crib use
- Short lullaby loop
Earning major brownie points online for being super soft and well-made, the Bedtime Bluey Plush makes for a surprisingly suitable bedtime companion for an interactive plush toy. Simply lay Bluey on her back, squeeze her paw and calming melodies and gentle snores help your little one wind down and drift off (just make sure you take Bluey out of the crib in accordance with AAP guidance on safe sleep).
Bluey’s sliding sleep mask and bone-pattern pillow complete the sleepy look, but it’s the subtle addition of a motion sensor that really brings the routine home. Lay the famous Blue Heeler puppy down flat, and the beloved character automatically bids you goodnight. Sit her up, and she gushes about her amazing dream. As for daytime play, you can switch Bluey from “Bedtime Mode” to “Awake Mode”, unlocking over 10 phrases from the show with a press of her foot.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: Y | Assembly required: N
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
The eight-month mark is an exciting time for you and baby. The major baby milestones are coming in fast: they’re seeing more, recognizing more and moving more. As such, the way baby plays is rapidly changing, too.
“Eight months is one of the most exciting times in a baby’s and parents’ life! They are probably not walking yet, but they’re very likely moving in the direction of mobility,” says Purdy. “It is a game changer!”
While some infants at this age may be starting to pull into a standing position, others are not yet crawling. Don’t get too hung up on your little one ticking every box. Every child develops at their own pace, and ‘should’ is a phrase to be taken lightly. “Milestones are a spectrum and a continuum,” affirms Purdy. “So just because your baby isn’t doing some or all of these things, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem.”
Now is the time to tap into the toys and activities that support baby’s growing repertoire of skills. And of course, follow up with your pediatrician as often as recommended. In the meantime, make sure you are baby-proofing everything.
In many ways, your 8-month-old is a far cry from who they were only a few weeks ago, so don’t be discouraged if the toys and activities that once rocked their world barely get a nod now. It’s not boredom; baby is adapting to a whole new way of seeing and experiencing.
But, Sarno says, there are still tons of opportunities for you to incorporate play into everyday activities and keep them engaged. “Play is how babies and children learn how the world works around them.” Here are just a few of the ways she recommends to weave developmental play into your everyday routine:
- Hand baby a toy during diaper changes. “Musical and sensory toys can often keep even the wiggliest infants entertained,” says Sarno.
- Have fun at mealtime. “Mealtime should still be focused on the food, but why not have fun with it?” says Sarno. “Babies can work on their pincer grasp by picking up yogurt melts, puffs, peas or small pieces of strawberry.” And hey, if they end up ‘painting’ a little with their truck-shaped baby spoon and pureed blackberries, Sarno says “it becomes a built-in sensory experience and may help prevent picky eating.”
- Keep their favorites on repeat. Repetition is the last thing that will bore baby. “Babies are drawn to repetition because it’s familiar, but it also helps them learn,” explains Sarno. It helps them pick up routines and supports their language development. Reading from the same book as part of bedtime is one example. “If you start when they are young, you may even notice them finishing the sentences for you in several months,” she adds.
- Bounce and sing along. “Repetition also builds excitement when kids know what’s coming,” says Sarno. “Parents can play off of this by bouncing baby on their knees to certain songs, which will teach them to expect what’s coming the next time around.”
- Peek-a-boo the anxiety away. Separation anxiety is strong at this age—to toys and people. “Games like peek-a-boo can help with this,” says Sarno. “Hide a toy under a blanket and show them how to find it. Or, to show them that their loved ones will always come back, show them how you will hide behind the couch and pop up to say “hello!” or “peek-a-boo” with them over and over.”
Every day brings something new to master. See what else is happening developmentally in our 8-month-old baby milestones guide.
You don’t need a mountain of traditional toys to engage with your 8-month-old. Each of our experts says that everyday household items can be equally as effective. “Using a bandana to play peek-a-boo will have your 8-month-old in fits of giggles and help them learn about object permanence, says Monness. You can even use a colander to up the ante; baby will be able to peer through the tiny holes. “It’s a fun way to play peek-a-boo because you can still see the object or person behind ever so slightly,” she adds. What’s more, these kitchen items make amazing bath toys.
Another unconventional go-to? A salad spinner. “Just like a jack-in-the-box, a salad spinner shows a child that when they do one thing, it causes another,” explains Monness. But without the potential scare factor. And don’t underestimate the appeal of a stainless-steel bowl or baby-safe pots and pans. Some ‘toys’ are classics for a reason.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a great book. “Books with pictures and words that go along with familiar songs like ‘The Itsy Bitsy Spider’ and ‘Los Pollitos’ (for Spanish-speakers) introduce language in a fun, new way,” says Sarno. “Plus, it helps them retain it.”
The best playthings are entertaining, educational and encouraging. Aside from the fun factor, it’s important that toys are age-appropriate and safe. According to the experts we consulted, here’s what you need to do when shopping for toys for your 8-month-old:
- Keep an eye on the size of parts. 75 percent of the parents of 6- to 11-month-olds we surveyed in The Bump community placed safety at the top of their list and let’s face it: at this age, babies love to put things in their mouths. With this in mind, choose non-toxic toys that are larger than baby’s mouth to prevent choking—and sturdy enough to withstand a good nibble.
- Seek toys with soothing built in. As wonderful and exciting as it is to see baby becoming more observant and active (I will forever delight in watching my daughter select toys from her toy bin herself), this also sets the stage for separation anxiety. It may not be pretty (and will probably pull at your heartstrings), but it is perfectly natural—a sure sign of a healthy parent-child bond. Aside from keeping goodbyes short and sweet and practicing separating from baby, try giving them a comfort item for when you’re away like a stuffed animal or a lovey.
- Embrace different textures. Small details like tags, ribbons, buttons and handles might be particularly interesting for baby to touch right now. “I believe in giving babies a variety of materials and textures when it comes to their play so that they are exposed to things,” says Monness. With this in mind, look for colorful toys that feature crinkly fabrics, hidden rattles or squishy surfaces.
- Follow AAP guidance over the manufacturer’s. Around 8 months, little ones are apt to become attached to a favorite baby blanket or lovey. That comfort is great for separation anxiety, but make sure to follow safe sleep practices and keep them out of baby’s crib.
And remember: with newfound mobility comes an increased risk of falling. “Keep toys off of shelves; they will want to climb,” advises Sarno. “Keep them buckled in any sitting-related toys that would be dangerous if they topple over. Constant supervision is key as little ones become more adventurous.”
About the writer
Madeline Weinfield is a contributing writer to The Bump and a mom to a baby girl. For The Bump she has written extensively about everything from the wearable breast pumps to the most practical (and stylish) clothes for postpartum moms. She loves watching her daughter learn and explore through play and will forever delight in watching her face light up when she opens her favorite chew-proof book and crinkles her favorite toy.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Experts
Mark Coster, PhD, is the founder and chief editor of STEM Geek, a website dedicated to STEM activities and toys for kids of all ages. He is an organic chemist with more than 20 years of experience in chemistry research and teaching. Also a father of three, he’s passionate about the power of STEM toys.
Jennie Monness is an early childhood educator and the co-founder of Union Square Play, a global virtual parenting community and play space in New York City.
Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, is a family physician and digital health expert based in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her medical degree from Uniformed Services University.
Jana Sarno, BCBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers.
Surveys
The Bump September 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of over 400 parents from among The Bump community. We asked about their child’s favorite toy, what they and their child enjoyed about it and what skills it helped their child develop.
Product testers featured in this article
Jennifer F., mom of three; Korin M., mom of four; Megan M., mom of 8-month-old
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