Father's First Year


Understanding Your Seven Month Old

Your Seven-Month-Old

At seven months, your baby is doing all kinds of things he could not do even a few weeks ago. He may sit up straight for a moment without falling over. Usually, he sits leaning forward on both hands. He can support his weight on his feet when standing. If you hold him in a standing position, he may bounce up and down. He may be moving around the floor on his belly. He may try to feed himself. He likes to clap, pull, bang, poke and grab with his hands. He makes sounds on purpose.

Being able to do these things makes him happy. When he can do something he wants to do, he may smile, laugh, clap or look for your smile of praise. Smile at him or give him extra hugs when he tries new things.

Trying things over and over can be fun for him. But it can also upset him when he can't do something. He may cry when things don't work out the way he wants. As he does things, he wants you to be there to help him and hug him.

Your baby needs you to show him how to do things. But he may get upset if you try to do things that he thinks he knows how to do.

He may be afraid of strangers. If you leave the room, he may cry because he is afraid. Be sure to give him lots of hugs and smiles. Clap when he does something he wants to do. Give him extra love and care as he goes through this exciting time. He will love you back!

What's It Like To Be Seven Months Old?

How I grow:

  • I creep across the floor, and I may crawl.
  • I may help you pull me up to a standing position by keeping my legs straight.
  • When you hold me under my arms, I can stand and step in place. I like to look at my feet.
  • When I'm lying on my back, I like to bring my feet to my mouth.
  • I can hold an object in each hand. I like to bang things together.
  • I can sit with a little support.
  • I have very good eyesight.
  • I am starting to feed myself with my hands.

How I talk:

  • I like to imitate the sounds I hear.
  • I like to say short sounds, like "ba," "ma," "mu," or "di." I say several sounds in a row.

How I respond:

  • I listen to my own voice and the voices of other people.
  • I may cry when my mommy or daddy leaves.
  • I like to give hugs and kisses to people I know.
  • I only want my favorite people to pick me up.

How I understand:

  • I explore with my hands and feet.
  • I struggle to get objects that are out of my reach.
  • I can find objects that are partly hidden.
  • When you bounce a ball in front of me more than once, I expect the next bounce.

For more information about dads and their baby's first year, get The Everything® Father's First Year Book by Vincent Iannelli, MD, which is published by Adams Media and is now available at your favorite bookstore.

You can also order The Everything® Father's First Year Book right now from amazon.com.



Copyright © 2004-2005 Keep Kids Healthy, LLC, All Rights Reserved

About Dr. Iannelli | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Sitemap