Your Stronger Seven-Month-Old

By the Editors of Your Baby Today

7-month-old
From day one, your baby has maintained that special spot in your heart. But by month seven, he knows it and he intends to keep it that way. Baby will push the limits in all his activities; in fact, he's already learning how far he can go. Why is it that your childcare provider considers him an angel at lunch but he throws sweet potatoes at you at dinner? It's because baby knows that your love and acceptance (if not your patience) are endless.

Keep in mind that it's good for baby to start maintaining some control over his environment, but as his parent, you need to determine how far he can go.




Milestones this month*



  • Your baby now can bear weight on his legs when you hold him upright.


  • He can sit without support.


  • Baby can stand while holding onto someone or something.


  • He can pull himself up to a standing position from a seated one.


  • Baby walks by holding on to furniture.


  • He babbles.


  • Baby plays peekaboo.


  • He plays patty-cake.


  • Baby waves good-bye.


  • He can say "mama" or "dada."


*All babies have their own internal developmental timetable. If your 7-month-old hasn't yet reached these milestones, rest assured that she will in time. If you have concerns about your baby's development, discuss them with her doctor.


Ready for action
As your baby cruises through his seventh month, he's more aware of how strong he is -- and how that strength can get him where he wants to go. With strength comes your baby's desire to get moving, and he'll be crawling soon.

Caution! Some parents buy baby walkers to help their little ones travel from room to room. Many doctors discourage the use of baby walkers. Too many emergency rooms have seen babies who've fallen down staircases while in a walker; walkers also can tip over or roll onto the fingers or toes of other children at home. Some doctors also believe that too much time in a walker can slow a baby's muscle development.

Expect plenty of testing


Prepare yourself for the manipulation game. Your baby has learned that a mere squawk from his mouth will send you running; the insistent lifting of his arms all but guarantees you'll sweep him off his feet. Resist the temptation. Here's how to help your baby learn to entertain himself for short periods of time:


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