At 7 weeks, your baby is growing quickly and developing new skills. Here are some things you can expect:
Table of Contents
Physical Development
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By 7 weeks, your baby’s head is now about one-third of their total length. They are also developing more control over their head and neck muscles, which means they can hold their head up for short periods of time.
Your baby’s arms and legs are also getting stronger, and they may start to push up with their arms when lying on their stomach. They may also start to kick and move their legs more.
Sensory Development
Your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings and may start to show interest in things around them. They may turn their head towards a sound or follow a moving object with their eyes.
Your baby’s sense of touch is also developing, and they may start to explore objects by grabbing and holding onto them.
Communication Development
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Your baby is starting to make more sounds and may start to coo or make noises when they are happy or content. They may also start to cry less and become more responsive to your voice and touch.
It’s important to talk to your baby and respond to their sounds and coos, as this will help them develop their communication skills.
Sleep Development
Your baby is likely still sleeping a lot at 7 weeks, but they may start to have longer periods of wakefulness during the day.
It’s important to establish a bedtime routine and create a calm and quiet sleep environment for your baby. This will help them develop healthy sleep habits.
Feeding Development
Your baby is likely still drinking breastmilk or formula at 7 weeks, and they may be starting to develop a more regular feeding schedule.
It’s important to feed your baby on demand and make sure they are getting enough to eat. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s feeding habits.
Developmental Milestones
At 7 weeks, your baby may be reaching some important developmental milestones, including:
- Tracking moving objects with their eyes
- Smiling in response to your smile or voice
- Making cooing or other vocal sounds
- Pushing up with their arms when lying on their stomach
Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby hasn’t reached all of these milestones yet.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If you have any concerns about your baby’s development or if you notice any red flags, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician. Some things to look for include:
- No improvement in head control by 4 months
- No response to loud noises or voices
- No smiles or other social interactions by 3 months
- No attempts to reach for objects by 6 months
Your pediatrician can help you determine if your baby is on track and provide guidance on how to support their development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it’s completely normal for babies to wake up during the night at this age. Most babies don’t start sleeping through the night until they are several months old.
Q: How often should I be feeding my baby?
A: At 7 weeks, most babies still need to eat every 2-3 hours. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to feed your baby on demand and make sure they are getting enough to eat.
Q: When will my baby start to crawl?
A: Most babies start to crawl between 6-10 months, but every baby is different. Some babies skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking.
Q: How can I support my baby’s development?
A: There are many things you can do to support your baby’s development, including talking to them, playing with them, and providing a safe and stimulating environment. Make sure to talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s development.
Q: When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
A: If you notice any red flags or if you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician. They can help determine if there is a problem and provide guidance on how to support your baby’s development.