2 min read · For babies aged 7–8 months
At seven and eight months, “teaching” body parts does not mean expecting your baby to memorise labels or point correctly when asked.
The goal is much simpler: connect familiar words such as eyes, nose, hands and feet with things your baby can see, feel and experience during everyday routines.
For a broader overview of communication, sensory exploration and play at this stage, read our guide to baby development, milestones and play at 7–8 months.
Why are faces and bodies so interesting to babies?
Faces move, make sounds and respond. Hands reach, feet kick and mouths smile, babble and chew.
These familiar movements naturally attract a baby’s attention. When you name a body part while touching or showing it, your baby hears a word connected to a real experience.
Responsive back-and-forth moments, when a baby looks, moves or vocalises and an adult responds, support early communication and learning.
Use body-part words during everyday routines
You do not need a separate lesson. Add simple words to moments that already happen:
- During dressing: “Here is your hand. Arm through.”
- During a nappy change: “Two feet. One foot, two feet.”
- During bathing: “Let’s wash your tummy. Now your toes.”
- During feeding: “Your mouth is open.”
- During face-to-face play: “Here is my nose. Here is your nose.”
How to use the Printable Hello Body Cards
Choose just one card. Hold it where your baby can see it and name the body part once or twice.
Then connect the image with the real body:
- show the hand card and gently touch your own hand;
- show the foot card and touch your baby’s foot;
- show the eye card and point to your own eyes;
- show the mouth card and smile or make a simple sound.
The Printable Hello Body Cards support shared attention between your baby, you and one clear image. There is no need to show the whole set at once.
If your baby immediately brings the card towards the mouth, remember that mouthing is normal at this age. Paper cards should remain in the adult’s hand, while safe baby objects can be offered for oral exploration. Learn more in our guide to why babies aged 7–8 months put everything in their mouths.
Try a mirror, a song or your own face
Sit with your baby in front of a child-safe mirror and name one visible feature: “Eyes,” “mouth” or “hands.”
You can also sing a short song while touching the matching body parts, or point to your own face and pause to see whether your baby looks, smiles, moves or vocalises.
Keep the interaction playful. Repetition matters more than introducing many different words.
What can you realistically expect at 7–8 months?
Your baby is not expected to identify or point to named body parts.
A response may instead look like:
- looking at your face or the card;
- touching the card;
- moving the named hand or foot;
- smiling or babbling;
- becoming still and listening;
- looking between you and the image.
Language understanding and gestures continue developing gradually. A baby does not need to point or respond correctly for the activity to be useful.
If your baby enjoys sitting while looking at the cards, place one image near the centre of the body and remain close. For more ideas on supporting balance and hand use, read our play ideas for a sitting baby at 7–8 months.
Safe use of printable cards
- Use cards only during supervised play.
- Do not leave loose cards in a cot or sleep space.
- Keep paper cards away from the mouth.
- Remove any torn, bent or damaged card.
- Hold the card yourself if your baby immediately tries to chew it.
Frequently asked questions
Should my baby point to body parts at eight months?
No. At this age, the activity is about hearing words and sharing attention, not giving a correct response.
How many cards should I use?
One card is enough. A simple experience is easier for your baby to notice and process.
What if my baby only grabs the card?
That is normal. Grasping and looking are common ways babies explore. Hold the card safely and continue naming the image without turning it into a test.
Explore play for babies aged 7–12 months
The Owloo Grab & Grow Play Kit for 7–12 Months includes the Printable Hello Body Cards alongside play experiences for grasping, sensory exploration and responsive interaction.
The Owloo approach
Body-part play should feel like conversation, not teaching.
Name one thing. Connect it to real life. Follow your baby’s response.
Written by Tina Krapez, Owloo Co-founder & COO
Tina Krapez is the Co-founder and COO of Owloo, where she helps create thoughtful play solutions and educational resources that support parents through their baby’s early development. Her work focuses on turning developmental knowledge into simple, practical guidance families can use in everyday play.
