Creeping, crawling, and cruising are the hallmarks of this month, as your baby experiments with all-new ways of exploring her world. How can you help? When your baby's standing, hold her favorite toy just out of reach. Try to get her to "cruise" along the furniture to get the toy. Also, learn:

• How to Help Your 8-Month-Old Develop a Strong Mind and Body
• How to Create Baby Bedtime Rituals

Helping Your 8-Month-Old Develop a Strong Mind and Body

Simple and effective, these techniques can help you keep baby entertained and help her develop mentally and physically:

• Encourage her to bounce up and down while supporting her in a standing position.
• Help your baby stand when she's near a stable, sturdy object, urging her to use it for balance. (Once she's able to pull up to stand in her crib, make sure the mattress is in the lowest setting for safety.)
• Place a toy out of reach and encourage her to get the toy by crawling on her hands and knees.

Lullaby and Good Night: Bedtime Rituals

Near the end of this first year, it's a great time to create more involved bedtime rituals, such as reading the same book to her that your mother read you, rocking, or doing quiet activities together.

While it may only take 10 to 30 minutes, your bedtime ritual will help your baby look forward to bedtime, and find it easier to accept the separation from you when you finally leave the room. So that she'll be comfortable with anyone putting her to bed, it's good to involve loved ones early.

Baby-Proofing Your Home

From crib to common areas such as the family room, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms, your home needs to be baby-proofed this month, if you haven't done it already. And if it's been some months since you baby-proofed the first time, give your home a second inspection now for:

• Stray electrical and window-blind cords
• Missing outlet covers
• Breakables within your baby's reach
• Small items such as coins and other choking hazards on the floor

You'll also want to make sure you install cabinet, drawer, and door latches. For more ways to keep your little cruiser safe, check out Baby-Proofing the Home for Your Little One.