Note: All weights and lengths are approximate; each baby is unique. These figures are just general ranges.
Communication and social development
In addition to stranger anxiety, the seven-month-old baby now also demonstrates separation anxiety: She is frightened or upset when her caregiver leaves or can’t be seen. Baby calls out frequently for mama or dada, thus reassuring herself that everything is OK.
Senses and motor skills
Some seven-month-olds attempt to pull themselves up into a sitting position. They may resist being strapped into their strollers, but they do enjoy observing the world. She can now pick up a ball from the floor and hold onto it. She turns frequently from her back to her tummy (mostly on one preferred side).
Her legs are now strong enough to support her body weight. If you have baby on your lap and hold on tight, she pushes with her little legs and “stands up.”
Interests and activities
Keys and key rings become an incredibly desirable toy in this month: They shine, they make clinking noises and they can be chewed on (though teething rings are better for this). The seven-month-old baby can spend an astonishingly long time playing with a key ring.
Objects from the kitchen such as pots, spoons, spatulas and kitchen drawers are also very popular – she enthusiastically opens and closes drawers, bangs spoons onto cabinets and pots – and sometimes on her fingers as well, so it’s good to supervise this activity closely.
As soon as baby can sit up securely, she’ll enjoy playing with a ball, pushing it in one direction or another.