Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

7-month-old child

Seven-month-old babies are in constant motion. They begin to explore everything in their world. New experiences happen so fast that the baby becomes fearful before adapting to the changes. This makes the baby more dependent on his or her mother and fearful of any separation from her. At this age the baby begins to be fearful of strangers, even grandparents and other relatives.

Mealtimes will be entertaining as the baby starts to tease by throwing food around. Although all children are unique, new growth and development milestones will typically occur by the end of 7 months.

The typical 7-month-old's motor skills include:

• creeping, may begin to crawl
• transferring objects from hand to hand
• supporting most of weight; bounces actively
• balancing well when sitting and hands are free
• grasping blocks with thumb and fingers and
• holding an object in each hand at the same time

The 7-month-old's language skills include:

• saying "da-da" or "ma-ma"
• speaking two-syllable words with vowels and
• attempting to imitate sounds or sequences of sounds

The 7-month-old's mental abilities include:

• concentrating and showing interest in detail
• enjoying noise-making toys like bells, music boxes, or rattles
• beginning to learn the meaning and consequences of familiar acts and
• imitating others

The 7-month-old's social traits include:

• exploring body with mouth and hands. boys discover and explore genitals
• fearing strangers
• resisting pressure to do things he does not want to do
• anticipating play and playing with toys and
• giving hugs and kisses to familiar adults

Childproof everything in your home. Remove fragile and breakable items. Make sure there are no substances or objects around that can injure, choke, or poison your baby. Seal electrical outlets. Lock up medicines, vitamins, and cleaning agents. Maintain harmony during feedings and elsewhere.

Reassure your baby with love and attention. Support the baby's exploration of himself and his world. It is important not to scold, pull hands away or slap hands when the child explores his body.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CHIL3050.rf2 VRS# 7706 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.