As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to keep track of your baby’s development milestones. At 7 months old, your baby is growing and changing at an incredible rate, both physically and mentally. In this article, we’ll cover what you can expect from your 7-month-old baby’s development.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
By 7 months old, your baby’s physical growth is starting to slow down, but they are still making impressive strides. Your baby may be sitting up unassisted or with minimal support, and may even be crawling or scooting around on their tummy. They might also be able to pull themselves up to a standing position while holding onto furniture or other objects.
Your baby’s fine motor skills are also improving at this age. They may be able to pass a toy from one hand to the other, pick up small objects using their thumb and index finger (known as the pincer grasp), and bang objects together.
Mental Development
At 7 months old, your baby is becoming more and more curious about the world around them. They are learning more about cause and effect, and may enjoy dropping objects and watching them fall. Your baby may also be interested in mirrors, and may spend time looking at their own reflection.
Your baby’s language skills are also improving. They may be able to babble more complex sounds, such as “mama” and “dada,” and may understand some simple words, such as “no” and “bye-bye.”
Social Development
Your 7-month-old baby is starting to become more social and interactive. They may enjoy playing simple games with you, like peek-a-boo, and may respond to your smiles and other facial expressions. Your baby may also enjoy spending time with other babies and children, and may be interested in watching them play.
Feeding
At 7 months old, your baby may be starting to eat solid foods. You can introduce them to single-ingredient purees, such as sweet potatoes or applesauce, and gradually increase the texture and variety of foods. Your baby may also be drinking breastmilk or formula, and may be taking 3-4 bottles or nursing sessions per day.
Sleeping
Your 7-month-old baby may be sleeping around 14 hours per day, including naps. They may be able to sleep for longer stretches at night, but may still wake up once or twice for feeding or comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should my baby start crawling?
Every baby develops at their own pace, but most babies start crawling between 6-10 months old. Some babies may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.
2. How much should my 7-month-old baby weigh?
The average weight for a 7-month-old baby is around 16 pounds for girls and 17.5 pounds for boys, but every baby is different. Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s weight or growth.
3. When should I introduce finger foods?
You can start introducing finger foods around 8-10 months old, when your baby is showing signs of being able to pick up objects and feed themselves. Always supervise your baby while they are eating and choose soft, small pieces of food to reduce the risk of choking.
4. How much should my 7-month-old baby be sleeping?
Every baby is different, but most 7-month-old babies need around 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Your baby may be sleeping for longer stretches at night at this age.
5. When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s growth and development and provide guidance and support if needed.