What to Expect of a Seven-Month-Old

from Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota

Your baby is getting better at sitting up on his own as his lower back gets stronger. He may be able to keep busy for a while playing with toys on the floor.

A seven-month-old is ready to get moving! Soon you'll see him pushing up on hands and knees and creeping along the floor. If he isn't moving on his tummy yet, encourage him. He may creep on his stomach, like to keep his legs straight when being pulled up, and try to stand by himself.

When a baby rocks back and forth on hands and knees, crawling isn't too far off. A seven-month-old may try to balance himself and sit for a while with no support. Watch his hands. He can pass a toy from one hand to the other. Give him two at a time. What does a baby do when you offer a third toy? Sit in front of the baby and put a favorite toy just out of his reach. Praise your baby when he tries to get it. Your baby may like finger foods that let him practice picking things up and feeding himself. He may enjoy playing with a spoon and a cup, but will not be good at using them yet.

Your baby is trying new sounds--keep listening! He may choose a favorite or two that he says often. Imitate the sounds so he can hear them again. Babies love to hear you saying their "words", such as ma, mi, da, di, and ba in one breath.

Seven month-olds like to be included in family activities, enjoy looking in mirrors and at pictures of other babies. They like to grab, shake, bang things, and put everything in their mouth.

Your baby may also be afraid of strangers. Stay close when your baby meets new people. This will help him feel comfortable about getting to know them.

• giving him toys that make noise, such as bells, music boxes, or rattles.
• letting him try to feed himself, even though it is messy.
• saying different sounds for him to imitate.

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