What to expect of a 7 month old (1027)

Baby's ability to sit is getting better as his lower back gets stronger. Baby may be able to keep busy for a while playing with toys on the floor. Your baby is ready to get moving! Soon you'll see him pushing up on hands and knees and creeping along the floor. If baby 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 baby rocks back and forth on hands and knees, crawling isn't too far off. A 7-month-old may try to balance herself and sit for a while with no support.

Watch her hands. She can pass a toy from one hand to the other. Give her two at a time. What does baby do when you offer a third toy? Sit in front of baby and put a favorite toy just out of her reach. Praise baby when she tries to get it. 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.

Baby is trying new sounds - keep listening! Baby may choose a favorite or two that she says often. Imitate the sounds so she can hear them again. Baby will love to hear you saying her "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, and like to grab, shake, and bang things, and put everything in their mouth.

Baby may also be afraid of strangers, but enjoy playing and teasing.

You can help your baby learn by:

- Giving baby toys that make noise, such as bells, music boxes, or rattles.

- Letting baby try to feed herself, even though it is messy.

- Saying different sounds for baby to imitate.

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