Emotional development of a 7 month-old baby
Babies at this age have a new understanding of the world. They learn that just because they can’t see mom or dad at a certain time doesn’t mean they don’t exist. So now, your baby may begin to miss you when you’re gone. This can lead to separation anxiety — distress at your departure. Show
While this might seem like a bad thing, it’s actually very good — and marks an important leap in thinking. Comfort and reassure your baby to help him or her feel loved and secure. Developmental MilestonesDoctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. There’s a wide range of what’s considered normal, so some babies gain skills earlier or later than others. Babies who were born prematurely reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your baby’s progress. How much will my 7- to 9-month-old baby grow?While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 7 to 9 months of age:
Babies’ growth begins to slow as the first birthday approaches. Your doctor has measured your baby’s weight, length, and head size (circumference) since birth and put them on a growth chart. This is where to look first if you have questions about your baby’s growth. When you look at the growth chart with the doctor, compare your baby’s growth with his or her own growth pattern, not with the growth of other babies. As long as your baby’s growth is steady, there’s usually no reason to worry. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight or growth, talk with your doctor, who might ask:
Can babies gain too much weight?A few babies and toddlers are overweight. In those cases, advice from the baby’s doctor can help, such as:
What can my 7- to 9-month-old baby do at this age?Babies are rapidly developing their physical abilities at this age. They become mobile for the first time and safety in the home becomes an important issue. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your baby may reach in this age group:
Why is touch important for development at 7- to 9-months?Your baby is getting around more independently as he or she learns to scoot, crawl, or walk. This means your baby can go and touch the things he or she wants to touch. Let your baby explore the textures and surfaces of your home and yard. Babies explore with their hands first and then their mouths. Make sure there are no hot, sharp, or other dangerous things that can hurt your baby. How long should my 7- to 9-month-old baby sleep?Most babies this age should sleep 12-14 hours per day, including a stretch of 9-12 hours at night. However, sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby’s first year. Some babies may experience separation anxiety and cry when being put to sleep or when they wake up in the middle of the night. Sleep regressions are common with leaps in development. Sleep regression is when babies who have been sleeping well have difficulty going to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night or not napping. Check out our 9-month sleep regression guide for more info. How can I help increase my 7- to 9-month-old baby’s development and emotional security?Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your baby:
Communication and Sensory MilestonesWhat can a 7- to 9-month-old baby say?It is very exciting for parents to watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. While every baby develops speech at his or her own rate, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:
What can a 7- to 9-month-old baby understand?A baby’s awareness of people and surroundings increases during this time. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:
What can a 7- to 9-month-old baby see?Your baby’s eyesight has been maturing for many months, and he or she is able to see quite well near and far and even focus on quickly moving objects. Your baby’s motor skills are now working together with eyesight (hand–eye coordination), and it’s likely that he or she can spot a toy across the room, focus on it, move to it, pick it up, and explore it in lots of ways. Familiar and loving faces are still your baby’s favorite things to look at, but he or she also may enjoy looking at pictures in books, especially familiar images. Your baby may love objects with parts or pieces that move and will spend lots of time staring at and manipulating these things, trying to figure out how or why they work. Take your baby with you to see new and interesting places. Point out the sights and label them by name. What can a 7- to 9-month-old baby hear?As your baby is grows, their hearing develops, and they can begin to listen and understand more. They can begin turning to the direction where sounds came from. Babies at this age can also start to recognize words for common items. What can a 7- to 9-month-old baby taste and smell?By this age, your baby is developing food preferences. Keep offering foods with a variety of tastes and smells. Don’t give up if he or she doesn’t take to it right away. It can take over ten times before a baby learns to try a new food. Explore the sense of smell with your baby, too. Use scents to help your baby understand the world further. A trip outside can provide a wide variety, from the sweet scent of flowers to the distinctive smell of just-cut grass. When to Talk to Your DoctorEvery baby develops at his or her own pace, but if you notice anything that concerns you — however small — share it with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if your baby:
Reviewed by Dr. Lydia Villa, Clinica CHOC Para Niños, CHOC Primary Care – May 2021 |