Baby development: month seven
This month your baby’s comprehension is improving as he starts to learn his name and may attempt to say ‘da-da’ or ‘ma-ma’ (don't feel offended if da-da comes first, as it usually does - the 'd' sound is much easier to make than the 'm' sound!).
He’s growing more and more independent with every month and would rather investigate the world around him by putting anything he finds in his mouth than have a cuddle with mom!
Of course, his growing independence means a few tumbles and falls as he attempts to roll over, scoot, rock from side to side or even crawl, although most babies don’t crawl for another couple of months. He listens to what you’re saying, so make sure you keep up that running commentary for him.
Sitting
Your baby may be able to sit confidently without support this month and you’ll notice just how straight his back is. When babies first sit and walk they don’t slouch or arch their backs, or drag their feet. These are bad habits picked up over time, so enjoy watching your baby sit with way better posture than anyone else in the family!
Standing
You may have noticed for some time that your baby enjoys bearing his weight on his legs when you hold him upright. Although standing and walking are quite a few months away, he will be experimenting with his leg muscles and practicing the skills needed for those first steps. Letting him bounce away in a door bouncer will keep him smiling as well as help strengthen his leg muscles and experiment with balance.
Playtime
Playing will take on a new perspective as your baby learns with repetitive play. This means that he will repeatedly drop things for you to pick up or enjoy the same book or story over and over again. He is not doing this to frustrate you – he’s learning about cause and effect: that his actions can make things happen. His memory has developed enough to realize that when he drops something it isn’t gone forever – it’s just behind his back, and he may twist and turn to retrieve it.
Grasping
This month you may notice your baby grabbing objects with one hand. He no longer needs both hands to pick things up and can use the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up smaller objects (make sure all small items are kept out of his reach in case they end up in his mouth). Watch gurgle's guide on what to do if your child chokes for more advice.
You may notice your baby reaches for everything with his left or right hand, but it is too early to tell whether he is a ‘leftie’ or a ‘rightie’. You won’t be able to determine whether he’s right or left-handed until he is two to three years old, so for now all you can do is enjoy watching your clever little ambidextrous baby.
Crawling
Crawling isn’t far off and this month you may see him practicing the skills he’ll need to perfect it, such as crouching on all-fours, rocking back and forwards, or maneuvering himself into a sitting position from his tummy. Some eager seven-month-olds may even attempt to pull themselves up to standing from sitting with the help of furniture or mom and dad. See encouraging your baby to crawl for helpful tips.
Separation anxiety
As your baby’s memory improves, so does his understanding that you are not always there. He may start to cry when you leave the room, as the first signs of separation anxiety start to appear. Resist the urge to sneak away when he isn’t looking – instead, explain to him that you’re just going to the store and that Daddy is here playing with him now. Let him see you walk away and also when you come back so he realizes that you do always come back. Games like peek-a-boo and ‘where’s mommy?’ (drape a muslin over your face and say, “Where’s mommy hiding?” and let him pull the muslin off), will help him understand that even when he can’t see you, you are still there. Go to our video guide, games to play with an older baby for more playtime tips.
Food
If he has been eating puréed food for a month and all is going well, start offering him mashed food so he starts to get used to slightly lumpier textures. This can also be a good time to introduce a sippy cup to him. See our list of articles to help with this in the Feeding and Food section.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.