The 7-Month- Old Baby Development Process

Your baby’s world right now

Bring out those teething rings!

Your 7-month-old will likely start moving more independently this month, and might begin exploring his surroundings in new ways.

Your 7-month-old will likely start moving more independently this month, and might begin exploring his surroundings in new ways.

In addition, his first tooth could be arriving soon. You'll need to help him cope with the pain of teething while you continue to foster his development. Here are some signs to watch for:

He might start drooling more heavily and biting on his hands.
Saliva might cause a rash to develop on his chin.
Inflamed gums can make him irritable and uncomfortable, and can also keep him up at night.

Here are some effective ways to help relieve your baby’s teething:

Give him a frozen teething ring or other teething toy, or even a frozen wet washcloth to chew on to help relieve the discomfort.
Replenish your stock of bibs, and try to keep cloths close by to help keep his clothes and face dry.

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Your baby’s nutrition

Options, options! She wants options!

If you didn’t start introducing solid foods last month, you will likely begin soon. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and one at a time to help spot potential food allergies. If your baby has a severe reaction to a specific food, contact your healthcare provider.

Iron-fortified baby cereals (rice, barley, oats)
Pureed meat (fully cooked beef, chicken)
Pureed or strained fruits (bananas, pears, apples, peaches)
Pureed or strained vegetables (well-cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes)
Pureed tofu
Pureed legumes (black beans, chickpeas, edamame, fava beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, and kidney beans)

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Your baby’s development

Uh-oh, where’d it go? (He’s looking for things now.)

Every baby grows and learns at a different pace, but by the end of your baby's 7th month, he will likely be able to do the following:

Get up on all fours and rock back and forth
Eat finger foods that are soft on his own
"Creep" or scoot around on his belly
Look for something that has dropped

Every baby grows and learns at a different pace, but by the end of your baby's 7th month, he will likely be able to do the following:

Get up on all fours and rock back and forth
Eat finger foods that are soft on his own
"Creep" or scoot around on his belly
Look for something that has dropped

In addition, your baby's language, recognition, and social skills are at an important stage of development. Here are some easy activities you and your baby can do together:

Chat with your baby every time you are together.
Expose him to a variety of sounds, and help him locate the sources.
Imitate the sounds your baby makes, and try to get him to make those sounds back to you.
Provide quiet time when the radio and TV are not on.
Make a photo album of familiar family members, and point to and name objects and people to help your baby absorb new words.

Sleep patterns and tips at 7 months.

Separation anxiety your baby might have developed last month could keep him up at night.
Your baby might stay awake later, or wake up more often, to practice his newest crawling and sitting abilities.
If your baby begins waking up in the middle of the night, try putting him to sleep earlier.

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Things to think about now

It’s time for a serious baby-proofing.

With her added dexterity, increasing mobility, and expanding curiosity, she’ll soon be reaching and grabbing for everything. Keeping her safe (and your stuff protected) is a constant vigil.

With her added dexterity, increasing mobility, and expanding curiosity, she’ll soon be reaching and grabbing for everything. Keeping her safe (and your stuff protected) is a constant vigil.

Researching and implementing some baby-proofing strategies and techniques will make everyone’s lives a lot easier, safer, and more enjoyable. And did we mention safer?

Don't be surprised if this shift to increased independence results in some major mini-me meltdowns, especially during transition times like when you’re walking out the door for work. There are many online resources for strategies to calm nerves (hers and yours), reassure uncertainty (hers and yours), and smooth these transitions.

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Next month’s developments

She’s in the mood to move and explore.

Crawling and cruising are the hallmarks of next month as your 8-month-old experiments with all-new ways to explore the world around her.

SEE NEXT MONTH

Your 7-Month-Old Baby

New foods, new teeth, new experiences.

Your baby’s world right now

Your baby’s nutrition

Your baby’s development

Things to think about now

Next month’s developments

Breastfeeding Disclaimer