Key Milestones for Your 7-Month-Old Baby

How big should my 7-month-old be? 

How much should a 7-month-old baby weigh? How tall should they be? The average weight at this age is 16.8 pounds for girls and 18.3 pounds for boys. Meanwhile, the average height or length is 26.5 inches for girls and 27.2 inches for boys.

7-month-old baby milestones

In this phase of life, your child’s physical and mental capabilities are progressing at a rapid rate. But how do you know if they’re hitting the right milestones at the right times? Next, we discuss the crucial signs you should be looking out for.

1. Teething

Tiny tooth buds will pop up between the ages of 5 and 7 months, and your baby will salivate a lot more. Provide a baby teether or damp washcloth to chew on for a little relief from gum discomfort and irritability. 

The two lower middle teeth (lower central incisors) emerge first, at roughly 6 to 10 months. They’re followed by the two upper middle teeth (upper central incisors), at around 8 to 12 months. Surrounding teeth should fill in over the course of the next few months, but don’t be alarmed if it takes longer. It’s not uncommon for some children to show no teeth at all until after their first birthday.

As soon as you spot their first teeth, practice good dental hygiene for your baby. Help them brush daily with an extra soft toothbrush and a tiny dab of baby-safe toothpaste.

2. Nonverbal communication

Though it’s far too early for talking, you may notice your baby turning their head whenever they hear their name called. They might also understand what the word “no” means now, regardless of whether they actually obey it. 

Your child’s already learning to master nonverbal communication, as shown by facial expressions, such as grinning, frowning, and everything in between. They can even pick up cues on how you’re feeling based on your body language and the tone of your voice.

3. Babbling

Now’s the time to appreciate all the sounds your little one likes to make. At the 1-month mark, your baby responds to noises, then begins vocalizing at 2 months. Laughing starts around 4 months of age, while babbling occurs a couple months after that. By the time they reach 9 months, your child may be trying to say “mama,” “dada,” or “bye-bye”!

4. Eating solid foods

Mealtimes are pretty exciting for your 7-month-old, especially now that they’re graduating to solid foods. Watch out for certain signs that they’re ready to make the transition. They include better hand-to-mouth coordination, decreased tongue protrusion reflex, being able to sit up well, and opening their mouth for the spoon.

Consider adding a wide range of mashed fruits and vegetables to their diet. By offering increasingly thicker foods, you’ll be exposing your baby to new textures which help them practice chewing. Taste-wise, it’s best to work your way from bland to sweeter or saltier.

Always remain wary, however, of potential allergies. New foods should be introduced individually, and at least a week apart, so you can clearly identify what they can or can’t handle. Diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, or wheezing are all red flags.

Lastly, remember to stay away from foods which pose a choking hazard, including small fruits, raw vegetables, nuts, candy or gum. Children under five years old should never consume grapes or similarly shaped items unless they’ve been halved or quartered.

5. Movement

When it comes to movement, you may see your baby rolling, sitting unsupported, switching hands while holding objects, and much more. However, don’t expect them to hit all their milestones at the exact same time as other children or even older siblings. Each child’s motor skills tend to evolve in a unique way.

A 7-month-old baby will likely be strong enough to stand up with a bit of support. You can help prepare them for walking by encouraging them to practice both indoors and out.

6. Sensory development 

With each passing month, your child’s ability to sense things is quickly improving. At just 1 month, they’ll react to pain or any noises they hear, and perhaps even establish eye contact. On the other hand, a 7-month-old recognizes the difference between you or your partner versus a stranger, and might occasionally reward you with a social smile. They also perceive the full spectrum of colors now and their distance vision has matured.

7. Sleep patterns

As you’re well aware, sleep is a very important part of your little one’s life. For optimal health, they should be sleeping for a combined total of 12 to 16 hours a day, including two to three naps. Habits still vary widely as some 7-month-old babies nap for a few hours at a time, and others for 30 minutes or less.

8. Motor skills

Has your child been picking up toys and other small items? Can they sit well unsupported and roll from face down to face up? Are they now able to hold forks, spoons, and sippy cups? These are all milestones to be proud of!

Reinforce your baby’s evolving motor skills by positioning toys slightly out of reach so they have something to aim for as they wander. Just remember to move any dangerous items out of the immediate area.

Tips and safety precautions 

As the above 7-month-old baby milestones come and go, keep the following things in mind. 

• Eating: Once they’ve switched to solid foods, it’s the perfect time to welcome them to the family dinner table. Pull up their high chair and encourage them to socialize with others.
• Playing: Simple games and activities with loved ones are critical for your baby’s ongoing development. Expensive equipment and trendy toys aren’t necessary for playtime – instead, teach them a few of your own childhood favorites. 
• Walking: Your little one will be up and about before you know it, and there’s absolutely no need to use a baby walker. In fact, recent statistics show an average of 9,000 children are injured in baby walkers across the U.S. every single year. This is due, in large part, to stair-related falls and the fact that they suddenly put hard-to-reach areas right in your baby’s path. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges parents not to use baby walkers.
• Baby-proofing: As your child becomes increasingly mobile, you’ll have to begin making a lot of adjustments around the house. One of the easiest ways to do this is by getting on the floor and checking for any hazards they may encounter while exploring.