7 month milestones typically include sitting up independently without support, maintaining good eye contact with others, forming simple syllables, and starting to understand the meaning of "no" through the gestures of parents or caregivers.
At the 7-month mark, your baby's nutrition should be guided by a pediatrician. Breast milk or infant formula must still complement their diet alongside the introduction of solid foods.
It is important to remember that every baby reaches their growth, sleep, and feeding milestones at their own pace. Therefore, if you have any questions about your baby's development, it is always recommended to consult with their pediatrician.
Weight and growth
The following table shows the typical weight range for a 7-month-old baby, as well as other important metrics like length, head circumference, and expected monthly weight gain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO):
If your baby's measurements fall above or below these recommended values, it is best to consult a pediatrician so they can properly evaluate your child's overall development.
Sleep patterns
A 7-month-old baby sleeps an average of 14 hours per day, which is generally divided into approximately 10 to 11 hours of nighttime sleep and 3 to 4 hours during the day across several naps.
Babies at 7 months often remain quite active, even when it's time to sleep. Establishing a regular bedtime schedule is important for promoting healthy sleep. Many babies this age sleep through the night, but it is still common for some to experience sleep difficulties or to "flip their day and night."
Some suggestions to help your 7-month-old baby achieve good night's sleep:
-
Giving the baby a warm bath;
-
Reading a story or playing soft, calming music;
-
Keeping the baby's room dimly lit;
-
Reducing household noises around bedtime;
-
Giving the baby a gentle massage.
If your baby wakes up very early, first make sure they’re okay by speaking to them softly and calmly. If everything seems fine, try to soothe them back to sleep while they’re still in their crib to help them rest a bit longer.
Also recommended: How to Help Baby Sleep Through the Night: 14 Tips tuasaude.com/en/how-to-help-baby-sleep-through-the-nightDevelopmental milestones
A 7-month-old baby typically achieves several developmental milestones, including sitting alone without support, scooting, rolling toward objects, and sometimes even starting to crawl. Additionally, your baby will begin to explore different parts of their own body, such as the nose, ears, and genital area.
At this phase, the baby maintains good eye contact with others and is starting to understand the meaning of "no" through their caregivers' gestures. They also begin to make more sounds, forming syllables like "da-da," "pa-pa," and "babababa."
More teeth may also erupt for the 7-month-old, which can cause irritability and discomfort in some instances. These symptoms can be relieved by measures such as gently massaging the baby's gums with the tip of your finger. Check out these teething remedies to help relieve discomfort.
Feeding and nutrition
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a 7-month-old baby should continue receiving breast milk or infant formula as the main source of nutrition while gradually increasing solid foods.
At this age, babies can be offered two to three meals per day consisting of a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and sources of protein such as beans, poultry, or meat prepared in age-appropriate textures.
The AAP recommends avoiding foods that contain added sugars or salt, such as chocolate, gelatin desserts, and sweetened snacks. These foods may contribute to unhealthy eating habits and increase the risk of obesity or other health issues later in life.
Provide breast milk or formula before or after solids based on the baby's signals. For hydration, rely mainly on milk/formula, with small sips (4-8 oz total daily) of water from a cup alongside meals.
Games and toys
Games and toys for a 7-month-old baby help stimulate their curiosity, motor coordination, communication, and language development. Furthermore, play helps create a positive bond between the child and the parents or caretakers.
A great game option for a 7-month-old baby is to sit them on a soft mat and place cardboard boxes and lids nearby. Demonstrate how to cover the boxes, and then encourage the baby to do the same, letting them take the lids on and off independently.
In addition to games, some safe toys for a 7-month-old baby include:
-
Washable cloth stuffed animals;
-
Toys made of durable material that will not break apart when chewed;
-
Toys that are at least 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length;
-
Rocking horses or chairs, which are safe for babies who can sit without support and are equipped with a safety belt.
When choosing toys for your baby, always select those that match the age-range recommendations to prevent the baby from choking on small pieces.