Congratulations! Your little one has reached the 7-month mark, and you might be wondering what new developments are in store. At this age, your baby will continue to grow and learn at an incredible rate, and there are plenty of exciting changes that you can look forward to.
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Physical Development
By 7 months, your baby will likely be sitting up without support, and may even be able to crawl or scoot around on their belly. They’ll continue to develop their fine motor skills, and will be able to grasp and manipulate objects with greater precision. You might notice that your little one is starting to use their hands to explore objects more intentionally, and may even be able to transfer items from one hand to the other.
You might also start to see some changes in your baby’s teeth at this age. Many babies will have sprouted their first tooth by now, and others will be teething and experiencing symptoms like drooling, fussiness, and chewing on everything in sight!
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development will continue to progress at an impressive rate. By 7 months, they’ll be able to recognize familiar faces and objects, and may be able to anticipate events like mealtime or bath time. They might also be able to imitate sounds or movements that they see, and might even be able to string together simple sounds like “ba ba” or “ma ma”.
At this age, your little one will also be developing their sense of object permanence, which means they understand that an object still exists even if it’s out of their line of sight. This is why peek-a-boo can be such a fun game for babies at this age – they’re starting to understand that you’re still there, even if they can’t see you!
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby’s social and emotional development will also continue to blossom at 7 months. They’ll be more aware of the people and objects around them, and may even start to experience a bit of separation anxiety when you leave the room. Your little one will also start to develop a sense of humour at this age, and might even try to make you laugh!
It’s also important to note that babies at this age are incredibly attuned to their caregivers’ emotions and reactions. Your little one will be able to pick up on your tone of voice and facial expressions, and will start to respond accordingly. This means it’s important to provide a lot of love, reassurance, and positive feedback to help your baby feel secure and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my 7-month-old be eating?
At 7 months, your baby’s diet should mainly consist of breastmilk or formula, with the addition of solid foods. You can introduce pureed fruits and vegetables, as well as iron-rich foods like pureed meats or fortified cereals. Make sure to introduce one new food at a time and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.
How much sleep should my 7-month-old be getting?
Most 7-month-olds need about 14 hours of sleep per day, broken up into 2-3 naps during the day and 10-12 hours of sleep at night. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to watch for signs of sleepiness or overtiredness and adjust their schedule accordingly.
What kind of toys are good for a 7-month-old?
At 7 months, your baby will love toys that they can grasp, manipulate, and explore with their senses. Look for toys with different textures, colours, and sounds, as well as items like soft blocks, teething rings, and board books. Remember to always supervise your baby during playtime to ensure their safety.
When should I be concerned about my 7-month-old’s development?
Every baby develops at their own pace, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s development. Some signs to watch for include not meeting developmental milestones, significant delays in motor or cognitive skills, or a lack of interest in their environment or interactions with others.
What can I do to support my 7-month-old’s development?
There are many things you can do to support your baby’s development at this age. Provide a safe and stimulating environment with plenty of opportunities for exploration and play. Talk to your baby frequently and read to them often to help develop their language skills. Offer plenty of love, support, and positive feedback to help build their sense of security and confidence.
Congratulations on reaching the 7-month mark with your little one! With some patience, love, and support, your baby will continue to grow and develop into an amazing little person.