The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds, According to Parents
At 8 months old your little one is getting stronger and more mobile by the day. “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. As a mom of two, I can confirm that at this age, my little boys began scooting and crawling (uh-oh, time to babyproof).
In addition to these physical milestones, baby is likely a keen observer of the people and places around them. “Babies at this age are craving to explore,” says Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a family doctor in Nashville, Tennessee. Purdy adds that at this age babies are “learning how to interact with the world and people around them, and they are very curious,” While it’s wonderful that baby’s becoming more observant and active, this also sets the stage for separation anxiety. Don’t worry, this is perfectly natural and indicates a healthy parent-child bond. To support baby’s development, curb clinginess and help build new skills, you’ll want to fill their toy box with age-appropriate playthings. And that’s where our list of the best toys for 8-month-old children comes in. Browse our list of expert- and parent-approved toys, and learn more about baby’s key milestones and play behavior at this age.
Finding toys to support baby at every stage of development can be tricky. To streamline your decision-making process, we aim to do the bulk of the research for you so you don’t have to spend hours researching and scrolling through online retailers. Here’s how we put together this roundup of toys for 8-month-olds:
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We interviewed a variety of experts—including a board-certified behavior analyst, an early childhood educator and a family doctor—and asked them for guidance on how to select developmentally appropriate toys for 8-month-old infants.
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In 2024 we conducted a survey of parents within The Bump community asking about their favorite toys for 8-month-olds.
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To understand how these toys have worked for various little ones, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading 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 about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Educational light-up toy to teach cause-and-effect
- 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
When my youngest child (now 16 months old) was almost exactly 8 months old, Santa brought him the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Magical Lights Fishbowl Interactive Baby Toy. He was just learning to sit independently, and this toy was a favorite that kept him occupied for extended periods. 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” and Christina appreciates that her child is “learning cause and effect” thanks to “lights that activate when the fish are dropped in.” So it’s no surprise that this toy has been selected as the best option to teach and reinforce the concept of cause-and-effect. But this toy has staying power too, at nearly a year and a half, my son still enjoys his Magical Lights Fishbowl.
Age range: 6 to 36 months | Batteries required: Y
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
Textured teether for tactile exploration
- 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 onwards, 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 toy appeals to baby’s senses while the leaf-shaped teether gently soothes sore gums. Morgan, a Bump survey respondent, commented that her baby frequently laughed and was occupied for half-hour intervals while using this toy, which is a long time 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 combination of touch-friendly textures and teething relief, this adaptable toy truly supports your baby’s growth and evolving needs.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N
Our community says
[Baby] loves the crinkle sound and chewer toy attached. – Morgan*, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
Musical toy for hand-eye coordination
- 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
Designed with tiny hands in mind, the Fisher-Price Tambourine and Maracas Gift set is the perfect choice for your little one to explore and develop hand-eye coordination. Sarah*, a mom of one, says her 8-month-old son “loves the colors,” which capture his attention and encourage him to reach out and grab the instruments. Meanwhile, the beads inside the maracas make a gentle sound that encourages baby to shake continuously, an interaction that promotes visual tracking and coordination. “He loves to shake the maracas,” confirms Sarah who adds that her little music-maker is a big fan of the sounds this toy makes. The tambourine also has a mirror, encouraging babies to pick up the toy and move it into their line of sight. I used the maracas from this set with my boys, and my 16-month-old still enjoys them to this day. I personally love how lightweight they are and the fact that they have soft fabric on one end, making them an age-appropriate toy that safely hones hand-eye coordination skills.
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries 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.
Lovey security blanket for comfort
- Super-soft fabric
- Machine-washable
- Stitched feature
- Some caregivers felt the size didn’t justify the cost
At the eight-month mark, baby may begin to experience separation anxiety. This can be a trying time for caregivers and children, but it’s a perfectly natural stage of development. In order to cope with such big feelings, 8-month-olds may start to show preference for certain objects that offer comfort in times of stress. According to Jennie Monness, an early-childhood educator and co-founder of Union Square Play in New York City, a security item “can be anything, a favorite photo, sock, lovey, toy or stuffed animal.” Our advice is to 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. Babies will enjoy gumming on the bashful bunny’s long ears and cuddling the toy in moments when they’re overcome with emotion. And parents can rest easy in the knowledge it’s made from premium fabric and has stitched features for safety. Plus, this toy is the perfect prop for a game of peek-a-boo! Whatever your baby clings on to, Monness says “honoring what they are drawn to and attached to is encouraged, /[as] it can be a source of comfort and self soothing for them."
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: N
I give this Jellycat lovey as a gift to all the babies in my life. It’s insanely soft and the bunny plushie on the edge makes it the perfect comfort blanket for babies and young children. - Martina G., e-commerce editor for The Bump
Nursery rhyme book for cognitive development
- Simple hand-signs
- Colorful illustrations to engage baby
- Very simple illustrations
Annie Kubler is an accomplished author, editor and illustrator of children's books and her iteration of the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” nursery rhyme includes simple sign language. 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
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
Toy to encourage crawling
- Keeps baby entertained at multiple crawling stages
- 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
When my son was almost 8-months-old a friend suggested I try the Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Bee Crawl Toy. 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. But it’s not just parents like me that love it, experts recommend this toy too! According to Sarno, “toys with movement and sound can encourage crawling, language and sensory development.” Sarno adds that “the Skip Hop Explore & More Follow-Bee Crawl Toy 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.”
Age range: 5+ months | Batteries required: Y
Sensory mat to build muscle control
- Floating toys and leaves with a crinkle texture
- Removable insert is easy to clean
- Helps develop fine motor skills
- Some parents said the mat was too small
According to Purdy, at 8-months-old “babies may love to touch water, squeeze and touch soft things, and put their hands in mouth on anything they possibly can!” So it’s no surprise that this tummy time toy is endlessly fascinating to infants. The cuddly koala has a refillable water tummy, complete with floating toys to enhance baby’s tummy-time play experience. Simply laying on the water mat encourages baby to lift their head and push up with their arms, strengthening the neck, back and shoulder muscles. And as they reach out to try and grab the floating leaf, heart and sun shape they’ll be working on those fine motor skills too.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N
Interactive rattle
- Motion detector triggers different musical modes
- Curved handle makes it easy for baby to grasp
- Some say music and sounds are glitchy
Rattles date back to even the most ancient civilizations—likely because this simple interactive toy never fails to capture baby’s attention. While we love a tried-and-tested formula, 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 switch to music box mode; With this setting soothing melodies play, gentle lights blink and the colors change with every shake of the rattle. According to Sarno, musical toys like this one can also be a useful way to distract baby during diaper changes. “Hand babies a toy during diaper changes to keep them busy. The Shake Shake Sophie La Giraffe rattle or a soft crinkle book can often keep even the wiggliest infants entertained,” says Sarno. At eight months, my little guy reached the stage where he would not sit still during a diaper change and I only wish I’d had this toy to hand!
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries required: Y
Farm puzzle toy for fine motor skills
- Double as teether toys
- Easy to grasp
- Durable pieces
- Mixed reviews on ease of assembly and disassembly
According to Sarno, these sweet little animals can help baby develop fine motor skills, learn sound recognition and consider sharing. The farm animals have a knob and socket design, so babies can easily pull them apart and pop them back together. This simple mechanism is actually 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. But that’s not all, this 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 a set of farm animals, imitate the animal noises, rather than simply saying the animal names," says Sarno.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N
Light-up musical toy for gross motor skills
- Doubles as a rolling toy
- Multiple ways to play
- Automatic shutoff after two stationary minutes
- Mixed opinions on volume control
Cringing at the thought of giving your 8-month-old a drum kit? The benefits definitely outweigh the 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. 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
Sensory bead maze to encourage focus
- Chunky beads are easy to manipulate
- Made of beechwood with nontoxic paint
- Board book encourages early STEM learning
- Younger babies may not show interest in the bead maze
Is there such a thing as starting science education too early? We think not! KiwiCo Atom Bead Maze is a model of an atom that offers sensory and independent play for your little one. The beads symbolize the six electrons in a carbon atom, while the clutching toy models the nucleus. What I love about this toy is that it offers a simple problem-solving challenge; as your 8-month-old manipulates and navigates the beads over the arches, it requires concentration, keeping their minds engaged and focused. Plus, the variety of textures and movement of the clutching toy stimulates sensory exploration, capturing their attention and 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
Hand puppet to encourage response to stimulus
- Made with certified organic cotton yarn
- Hand-knitted
- Stuffed with hypoallergenic polyfill
- Expensive for a hand puppet
As an avid knitter, I appreciate handmade toys, so Cuddoll’s Blue Giraffe Hand Puppet for Kids is an instant winner for me. Hand-crafted from GOTS-certified organic wool this vibrant puppet has 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 and beyond. Social interaction becomes critical at this stage, and baby’s response to stimulus 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 one’s imagination soar through storytelling and pretend play!
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: N
Stacking toy for spatial awareness
- Sturdy and durable
- Colorful pieces
- Dynamic movement for wide range of play
- Mixed opinions on material quality
At the eight month mark, babies begin to develop spatial awareness, which is their understanding of 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 required 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
Teething toy for sensory exploration
- Made from organic rubber
- Completely sealed for ultimate hygiene
- Sustainable and biodegradable
- Expensive for a teether toy
Purdy recommends investing in a few “convenient teething toys […] because your baby this age is likely starting to grow some teeth.” And a teether that doubles as a toy is always a bonus! My boys were always drawn to rattles or sensory toys that they could both play with and chew on for a soothing sensory experience. Tikiri Toys Ocean Buddies Dolphin Natural Rubber Rattle is made from organic rubber that’s gentle on baby’s gums, and when your little one shakes the toy, it makes a soft, comforting rattle sound.
The eight-month mark is an exciting time for new parents. To get the most out of playtime and support baby’s development, read up on key milestones and choose toys that match their abilities. According to Purdy, at this age infants typically reach the following developmental markers:
- Starting to pull up into a standing position
- Recognizing familiar faces
- Rocking back-and-forth on their hands and knees
- Sitting unassisted
- Picking up objects with a thumb and forefinger (aka mastering the pincer grasp)
- Passing objects from one hand to the other
- Making sounds like “ma-ma-ma-ma” and “ba-ba-ba-ba”
- Expressing a range of emotions through their face and body language
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. “Milestones are a spectrum and a continuum, so just because your baby isn’t doing some or all of these things, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem,” notes Purdy.
To build on baby’s blossoming physical and social skills, Purdy recommends toys that involve reciprocal interaction or illustrate cause-and-effect. Rolling a ball back and forth illustrates this, as do toys with buttons that trigger lights or sounds. And as baby is refining their hand-eye coordination skills, Purdy also advises introducing small, easy-to-grasp toys that they can pass from hand to hand.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need traditional toys to engage with your 8-month-old. Experts also suggest incorporating everyday household items into playtime. “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 peer through the tiny holes. What’s more, these kitchen items make amazing bath toys. When it comes to playtime (and playthings!), get creative.
Baby’s developing in leaps and bounds at this point, so keeping them occupied can feel like a full-time job. The best playthings are fun, educational and entertaining. Aside from the fun-factor, it’s important that toys are age-appropriate and safe. Below, expert tips on what to look for and safety considerations to keep in mind when buying toys for 8-month-olds:
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Size of parts. At this age, kids love to put things in their mouths. But small toys or items with loose parts can pose a safety risk. With this in mind, choose non-toxic toys that are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking.
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Prioritize safety. Infants experiencing separation anxiety may become particularly attached to a baby blanket or lovey. Make sure to follow safe sleep practices; blankets and stuffed animals shouldn’t be in baby’s crib at this age.
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Embrace different textures. “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 and knobbly or squishy surfaces.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter, a New York storyteller and devoted mother of two little boys, uses her craft to connect with and support other women in motherhood. With over a decade of experience in fashion accessories, Carpenter excels in product development and has a keen passion for innovative, life-enhancing products. Her expertise spans the entire product supply chain, from concept to delivery. Carpenter has contributed articles and personal essays to The Bump, Motherscope, The Kindred Voice and Mantra Wellness.
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:
Jana Sarno, BCBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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