8 month old daughter behaviour/development

[Lemonzide]

Hi everyone, I’m a little worried about some things my 8 month old daughter is doing and I’m wondering if others have experienced these things or if I should be raising them at my next health check?

I don’t know how to describe it, but she often ‘jolts’ her legs- like straightens them out really fast, holding them stiffened for a second or two and then releasing. This is most noticeable when she’s lying on the change table but she also does it sometimes when lying on the floor. She usually makes a grunting noise when doing it. I know this is common with newborns but I haven’t really seen other older babies do this?

When I’m holding her she rarely makes eye contact. She will make eye contact from a distance (like if I’m a meter or more away- though it’s hard to tell if she’s just looking at my face in general when I’m across the room). When in her high chair or on the change table she does make eye contact sometimes but more frequently she is actually looking at my mouth (I’m usually talking to her at these times). When breastfeeding she generally has her eyes closed, is starring straight ahead or has a sort of glazed look. If I try talking to her she might pull off and look at me/smile but more often than not she will just ignore me and keep feeding.

She responds to her name if I come into the room or call across the room probably about 80-90% of the time. However, I have started questioning whether it may be just the noise she’s responding to. If I say her name when she’s sitting close to me (facing me in her high chair, sitting on my lap, etc.) she will only very occasionally respond to her name. She never responds to her name if I say it while holding her.

She is babbling (“mamamamama”) but doesn’t really copy or mimic me when I make noises or do things like poke my tongue out.

Sorry for the essay, we do have a number of developmental issues that run in the family so I’m a bit hyper vigilant. I would much rather pick up on any potential issues early so I can support her. She is on track with all of her motor milestones. Are these things most other babies do at 8 months or should I raise them as concerns?

Raise them as concerns to put your mind at rest. I think it all sounds normal though.

Agree with PP, it all sounds normal to me but if you’re worried talk to your HV.

She sounds lovely

The leg stiffening is really common. Both my boys have done this and my 10 month old still does on the changing table or when he's frustrated.

Not making eye contact close up is also really usual. Staring at your mouth is the way babies learn about making sounds. I read a study which showed that infants who gaze at their parents mouths end up talking sooner. Again both my boys have done this.

Name response is only expected to emerge at this stage and won't be consistent until closer to 12 months. Not responding when they are next to you is normal.

You wouldn't expect mimicking of noises until closer to 12 months. The fact she is babbling is great. The only mimicking of gestures you would expect is copying you banging a block on the table and this wouldn't be until closer to 10 months. You'd expect that when you reach down to pick her up she raises her arms in response by this stage though.

You haven't said anything alarming in my opinion but of course speak to your HV if you want professional reassurance.

Thanks everyone for your responses, I really appreciate it.

Do you have an update at all on how she developed? I’m concerned for my son with things like this too x

Hey... Any update?