7 Month Old Baby Development
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Learn everything you need to know about your 7 month old baby. Track important developments and milestones such as talking, walking, growth, memory & more.
Your Growing Baby
Your Baby's Physical Development
The seventh month is full of action of all kinds. Babies who have been rolling over start to sit; experienced sitters might start to crawl; and the babies who are comfortable with crawling might start to pull up on furniture. But don't expect your baby to hit any of these physical milestones just when you think they should. Your little one is developing so quickly and absorbing so much information that to get a handle on it all, she might choose to focus on just one thing at a time. So an infant who's honing her verbal skills with constant babbling might be less inclined to pursue large motor skills such as creeping. Simlarly, a baby who's working on pulling up might not talk much these days. Those fits and starts in development are completely normal. Trust that your baby is going at her own pace and that eventually all these skills will come together in a complete package known as "the toddler."
Your Baby's Social Development
Your baby's social development will take a large leap ahead in the seventh month too. She delights in spending time with friends and family members -- even as her separation anxiety means she'll probably shy away from strangers -- and she's starting to check out other babies with keen interest, including her own reflection in a mirror. Now she's aware that she's the life of the party, and not only does she respond to all your antics with giggles and squeals, but she'll try to produce laughter by teasing and acting silly. It's a great time to have fun with your baby. Enjoy!
Healthy & Safety Info
Babyproofing Tips & Tricks
As your little one starts moving around more on her own, whether she's rolling, crawling, pulling up, or even cruising, she's in a better position to get into trouble around the house. Don't wait for her to master a skill that could put her in danger; babyproof now. Some safety tips to think about:
- Bolt furniture to the wall. Dressers, desks, and side tables might tip if your little one tries to pull herself up on them. Similarly, bulky televisions pose a hazard to babies who might grab the cord and pull it down on themselves or tip it off an entertainment center. Invest in a TV guard, a baby-proofing device that will keep your television stable.
- Avoid walkers. Contrary to appearances, they won't help your baby walk any sooner, and they might put her in danger as she glides toward other objects or the top of a staircase. Stationary exer-saucers, jumpers, and activity centers provide similar fun and leg-strengthening in a safe environment.
- Install baby gates at both the top and bottom of any staircases in the home to avoid spills.
- Put away tablecloths. A baby who's trying to pull up will grab onto anything in reach, and yanking a tablecloth might send your fine china crashing down on him.
Choking Hazards
Another worry these days: choking hazards. While learning infant CPR will help you feel confident to handle choking, you should make every effort to avoid foods that can be hard to chew and swallow, including raw vegetables such as carrots and apples, nuts, grapes, popcorn, olives, hard candies, sticky fruit snacks, and hot dogs. Serve soft foods and cut everything into bits no bigger than the tip of your baby's pinkie.
Must-Knows
Is My Baby Delayed?
As your baby enters this intense period of development, she's mastering new physical and intellectual skills every day -- unless she's not. Some babies just tackle new things at a slower pace, but to a new mom, that can be worrisome. As you look around at other babies her age and think, "My baby doesn't do that," you might wonder if your baby is developmentally delayed. If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician, but be prepared that the best strategy might just be to wait and see. In the meantime, follow these stay-sane tips:
- Stop comparing. Every child develops on her own schedule, so it's natural to find two 7-month-olds who are doing completely different things. Accept that such differences are okay, and move on.
- Avoid the Internet. Not all health information on the Web is accurate, and even good information taken out of context can inspire anxiety. Do a basic amount of Web research at reliable sites such as Parents.com, then take what you've found to a trained expert: your pediatrician.
- Meditate. Truly anxious? Try meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or visualization techniques to calm yourself. The calmer you are, the better both you and your baby will feel.
- Get help. Your pediatrician will keep an eye on your little one and might recommend special exercises or interventions if he suspects a genuine delay. For you, however, the best help is a network of supportive friends and other moms who have been in your shoes. Talk a little, cry a little, then do your best to be what your baby needs right now.
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