For an 8-month-old infant, which item is appropriate?

• A. Crib mobiles and nesting toys
• B. Large swings
• C. Bouncy chairs
• D. Sound machines

Answer: (A)

At eight months, a child is actively exploring with hands and mouth, so the safest, most developmentally helpful toys are those that are large enough to handle, have no small detachable parts, and don’t involve strings or cords that could cause entanglement. Nesting toys are ideal because they encourage grasping, hand–eye coordination, and problem-solving as the child stacks or nests the objects. They’re typically free of small parts that could be swallowed and are easy to clean, making them a practical choice for this age.

Crib mobiles, when used with safeguards, can provide useful visual stimulation and tracking practice. If kept out of the child’s reach, securely mounted, and removed as soon as the infant becomes able to pull up or reach beyond the crib edge, a mobile can be used safely during supervised time. However, mobiles should not be relied on for unattended sleep or prolonged unsupervised play.

The other options pose more safety concerns for an eight-month-old. Large swings and bouncy chairs can increase the risk of falls or be misused as the baby becomes more mobile, and sound machines, while generally safe, don’t offer the same hands-on developmental engagement as safe, manipulable toys.