If not before, you are likely to notice that your 8 months old baby is developing some degree of separation anxiety. Often mom is the big favorite and sometimes no one else will do, especially when the baby is tired or sad.
Most babies sit well without support at this age. Some has also find out that the can move around while sitting, by using his hands and feet.
Some babies creep, crawl or shuffle.
Also, many 8-month-old babies are learning how to pull themselves up to standing position and remain there for a while by holding on to something. Watch your baby carefully; he is not likely to have developed any balance standing up yet!
Your baby may be practicing his pincer grasp, using the thumb and one or two fingers to pick up small things.
An 8-month-old baby has a vision that is almost as good as an adult's. However, even if depth vision is well developed, the depth understanding is not. Your baby may see that the couch is ending, but that won't prevent him from crawling right out into the air.
At this age, babies are good at interacting with more than one person at the same time. It is possible to play peek-a-boo, throwing a ball or something together.
Investigating things is also a favorite. Give your baby new things to analyze, for example toys or kitchen tools. He is likely to bang them, bite them, throw them away and stick his little fingers in wherever possible.
Your 8-month-old is now also able to imitate you. Make simple faces, put your hands in the air or shake your head. Your baby can follow you, which is a great way of interacting. And fun for any spectators.
Let your baby practice his pincer grasp, by giving him boiled rice, pieces of banana, peas or corn to pick up.
Musical toys that make sounds when banged together are fun, like a small drum, cymbals or castanets. Just make sure that they are not too loud.
Balls, cars or any other toys that can roll or be moved is fun once your baby has learned how to crawl.
A somewhat terrible toy (for adults) that our baby really liked at this age was Fisher Price's Learning Puppy (shown in the picture to the left).
If you press different parts of its face and body, the puppy starts singing or rhyming in a (too) cheerful voice.
At 2 years old, our baby (now a gorgeous toddler) still uses the puppy as a dance partner. Value for money, even if the voice drives me crazy sometimes.