Key takeaways: Seven-month-olds are building on 6-month skills like rolling, laughing, and reaching, and working toward 9-month skills like sitting without support, babbling “mamama” and “bababa,” moving objects between hands, and looking for dropped toys. Many begin crawling or scooting. Childproofing becomes important. The CDC’s checklists are at 6 and 9 months.
At 7 months, your baby is becoming a curious explorer.
Skills Many Babies Have by 6 Months (CDC)
- Laughs and blows raspberries.
- Reaches for toys.
- Rolls from tummy to back.
- Leans on hands when sitting.
Skills Many Babies Are Working Toward by 9 Months (CDC)
- Shy or clingy with strangers.
- Shows several facial expressions.
- Looks when you call their name.
- Reacts when you leave.
- Smiles or laughs at peekaboo.
- Babbles sounds like “mamamama” and “babababa.”
- Lifts arms to be picked up.
- Looks for objects dropped out of sight.
- Bangs two things together.
- Gets to sitting on their own.
- Moves things from one hand to the other.
- Rakes food toward themselves with fingers.
- Sits without support.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
Play Ideas
- Peekaboo and hiding toys under a cloth.
- Banging blocks or pots and spoons.
- Reading and naming pictures.
- Floor time to practice crawling.
- Stacking cups.
Feeding
Babies may be eating solids a few times a day. Offer a variety of textures and iron-rich foods, alongside breast milk or formula.
Safety
- Childproof: cover outlets, secure cords, anchor furniture, and install gates.
- Remove choking hazards.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if you notice your baby isn’t making progress in movement, babbling, or interaction, or loses skills they had.
The Bottom Line
Seven months is a time of sitting, babbling, and exploring. Make your home safe and give lots of floor time.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Your Baby at 8 Months
- Your Baby at 5 Months
- Your Baby’s 9- and 12-Month Milestones
- Your Baby at 10 Months
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: your baby by 6 months; by 9 months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Childproofing your home. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
