Make the most of his sociable mood by starting to teach him to wave bye-bye. Younger babies certainly prefer the comforting sight of mom's and dad's familiar grins, but they're entranced by any and all new faces they see. But as your baby pushes past the 8-month mark, he may become shy or anxious around strangers. He may demand the company of his primary caregiver and become clingy and fearful when others are around. As the end of his first year approaches, your baby becomes highly discerning, preferring certain people and toys over others.
Many babies love looking at other babies.
Ears, noses, hair, arms, and legs are no longer safe as babies touch, push, and tug. Being around other children helps your baby practice his social signals. Start out with one other child and work up to small groups of no more than four or five. Pay attention to your baby's mood and step in to calm things down if he becomes overwhelmed. Babies who are in daycare situations have even more opportunity to interact, and this experience can be very positive.