Look for toys that are fun, age-appropriate, and aid in development for your growing baby. We carefully considered design, milestones, age recommendations, toy safety, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Find the best toys for your 8-month-old with these ideas. Press each button for individual sounds or press the Orchestra button to play all the instruments at once. This toy will inspire creativity and interactive play while teaching babies how sounds combine, so it’ll be fun for a long time. Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $29 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $26 To promote moving and exploring, look for toys that are easy for babies to grab onto. According to Meredith Soucie, an occupational therapist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, adults can “support babies’ interest in moving their bodies by having various toys placed around them where they need to roll or creep some to reach them.”
Milestones
In the first year of life, developmental progress and reaching milestones is really important. While every baby progresses on their own time (and development can’t be forced), toys can serve as a fantastic aid and support in mastering skills.
Entertainment
Entertaining an 8-month-old can be tricky, but if there’s one thing Soucie recommends, it’s sensory play. She explains that caregivers can “encourage exploration in diverse toys by having objects with different textures, shapes, colors, and sounds.” So, while a baby likely won’t be able to sort by colors or shapes at this age, they will still get engaged with toys’ sight and touch. Babies are often working on mastering crawling around this age, too, so toys that roll on the ground, whether it’s a ball or an electronic toy designed to move around on the floor, can encourage that movement. Finally, don’t forget how entertaining and engaging books can be for kids of all ages, especially as baby starts understanding more and more. Books that offer opportunities for interaction (like different textures to touch or flaps to flip) are especially appealing for 8-month-olds.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s a mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her favorite toys for 8-month-olds are a set of classic board books. They have long-lasting appeal, as that 8-month-old can someday read them back to you (or younger siblings). Any toys for an 8-month-old must be safe and non-toxic, as putting things in their mouth is still the primary way they explore the world. Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler. Ashley Ziegler is a parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing products that are essential to motherhood. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include functionality and purchaser reviews.
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
