7 month preemie
Caring for a Premature Baby: What Parents Need to Know
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Ages & Stages
Ages & Stages
Premature birth occurs in about 11 to 13 percent of pregnancies in the US.
Almost 60 percent of twins, triplets, and other multiple deliveries result in preterm births.
It is important to recognize that preterm deliveries, even if late preterm, should never be done for the convenience of the mother or obstetrician. Research has shown that late preterm babies have significantly greater risk for negative outcomes, and all efforts should be made to have babies reach full term. See Let Baby Set the Delivery Date: Wait until 39 Weeks if You Can.
Characteristics of Babies Born Premature
While the average full-term baby weighs about 7 pounds (3. 17 kg) at birth, a premature newborn might weigh 5 pounds (2.26 kg) or even considerably less. But thanks to medical advances, children born after twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy, and weighing more than 2 pounds 3 ounces (1 kg), have almost a full chance of survival; eight out of ten of those born after the thirtieth week have minimal
long-term health or developmental problems, while those preterm babies born before twenty-eight weeks have more complications, and require intensive treatment and support in a
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
How Your Premature Baby Looks
The earlier your baby arrives, the smaller she will be, the larger her head will seem in relation to the rest of her body, and the less fat she will have.
With so little fat, her skin will seem thinner and more transparent, allowing you actually to see the blood vessels beneath it. She also may have fine hair, called lanugo, on her back and shoulders.
Her features will appear sharper and less rounded than they would at term, and she probably won't have any of the white, cheesy vernix protecting her at birth, because it isn't produced until late in pregnancy. Don't worry, however; in time she'll begin to look like a typical newborn.
Because she has no protective fat, your premature baby will get cold in normal room temperatures. For that reason, she'll be placed immediately after birth in an incubator (often called an isolette) or under a special heating device called a radiant warmer. Here the temperature can be adjusted to keep her warm.
After a quick examination in the delivery room, she'll probably be moved to the NICU.
How Your Premature Baby Acts
You also may notice that your premature baby will cry only softly, if at all, and may have trouble breathing. This is because her respiratory system is still immature.
If she's more than two months early, her breathing difficulties can cause serious health problems, because the other immature organs in her body may not get enough oxygen.
To make sure this doesn't happen, doctors will keep her under close observation, watching her breathing and heart rate with equipment called a cardio-respiratory monitor.If she needs help breathing, she may be given extra oxygen, or special equipment such as a ventilator; or another breathing assistance technique called CPAP (continued positive airway pressure) may be used temporarily to support her breathing.
Additional Information:
Preemie Milestones
Health Issues of Premature Babies
Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Congenital Heart Disease
- Depression During & After Pregnancy: You Are Not Alone
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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Your Preemie's Growth & Developmental Milestones
Was your baby born more than 3 weeks early? Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about developmental milestones for your preterm baby.
Keep in mind that babies develop at their own speed and in their own way. However, parents of preemies will need to adjust their baby's age to get a true sense of where their baby should be in his development.
Your Child's Progress
You know your child better than anyone else. Even with an adjusted age, you will want to see him move forward in his development. For example, your child should progress from pulling himself up, to standing, and then to walking. When you watch him carefully, you will see ways he is growing well. You will also know whether he needs more help.
Remember to take your child to his recommended well-child (health supervision) visits. At each visit, your child's doctor will check his progress and ask you about the ways you see your child growing. See the next section, Developmental Milestones.
Developmental Milestones
Here is information about how babies and young children typically develop. Examples of developmental milestones for ages 1 month to 6 years are listed. The developmental milestones are listed by month or year first because well-child visits are organized this way.
For a preterm baby, it is important to use the baby's adjusted age when tracking development until 2 years of age so that his growth and progress take into account that he was born early.
What is your child's adjusted age?______________________. See milestone for the adjusted age in the next section.
NOTE: Ask your baby's doctor about Early Intervention (EI)—extra care some babies and children receive to help them develop.
At 1 Month (4 Weeks)
Social
Looks at parent; follows parent with eyes
Has self-comforting behaviors, such as bringing hands to mouth
Starts to become fussy when bored; calms when picked up or spoken to
Looks briefly at objects
Language
Makes brief, short vowel sounds
Alerts to unexpected sound; quiets or turns to parent's voice
Shows signs of sensitivity to environment (such as excessive crying, tremors, or excessive startles) or need for extra support to handle activities of daily living
Has different types of cries for hunger and tiredness
Motor
Moves both arms and both legs together
Holds chin up when on tummy
Opens fingers slightly when at rest
At 2 Months (8 Weeks)
Social
Language
- Makes short cooing sounds
Motor
Opens and shuts hands
Briefly brings hands together
Lifts head and chest when lying on tummy
Keeps head steady when held in a sitting position
At 4 Months (16 Weeks)
Social
Language
Motor
Supports self on elbows and wrists when on tummy
Rolls over from tummy to back
Keeps hands unfisted
Plays with fingers near middle of body
Grasps objects
At 6 Months (24 Weeks)
Social
Language
- Babbles, making sounds such as “da," “ga," “ba," or “ka"
Motor
Sits briefly without support
Rolls over from back to tummy
Passes a toy from one hand to another
Rakes small objects with 4 fingers to pick them up
Bangs small objects on surface
At 9 Months (36 Weeks)
Social
Uses basic gestures (such as holding out arms to be picked up or waving bye-bye)
Looks for dropped objects
Plays games such as peekaboo and pat-a-cake
Turns consistently when name called
Language
Says “Dada" or “Mama" nonspecifically
Looks around when hearing things such as “Where's your bottle?" or “Where's your blanket?"
Copies sounds that parent or caregiver makes
Motor
Sits well without support
Pulls to stand
Moves easily between sitting and lying
Crawls on hands and knees
Picks up food to eat
Picks up small objects with 3 fingers and thumb
Lets go of objects on purpose
Bangs objects together
At 12 Months (48 Weeks, or 1 Year)
Social
Language
Uses “Dada" or “Mama" specifically
Uses 1 word other than Mama, Dada, or a personal name
Follows directions with gestures, such as motioning and saying, “Give me (object).
"
Motor
Takes first steps
Stands without support
Drops an object into a cup
Picks up small object with 1 finger and thumb
Picks up food to eat
At 15 Months (60 Weeks, or 1 ¼ Years)
Social
Imitates scribbling
Drinks from cup with little spilling
Points to ask something or get help
Looks around after hearing things such as “Where's your ball?" or “Where's your blanket?"
Language
Uses 3 words other than names
Speaks in what sounds like an unknown language
Follows directions that do not include a gesture
Motor
Squats to pick up object
Crawls up a few steps
Runs
Makes marks with crayon
Drops object into and takes it out of a cup
At 18 Months (72 Weeks, or 1½ Years)
Social
Engages with others for play
Helps dress and undress self
Points to pictures in book or to object of interest to draw parent's attention to it
Turns to look at adult if something new happens
Begins to scoop with a spoon
Uses words to ask for help
Language
Motor
Walks up steps with 2 feet per step when hand is held
Sits in a small chair
Carries toy when walking
Scribbles spontaneously
Throws a small ball a few feet while standing
At 24 Months (2 Years)
Social
Plays alongside other children
Takes off some clothing
Scoops well with a spoon
Language
Uses at least 50 words
Combines 2 words into short phrase or sentence
Follows 2-part instructions
Names at least 5 body parts
Speaks in words that are about 50% understandable by strangers
Motor
Kicks a ball
Jumps off the ground with 2 feet
Runs with coordination
Climbs up a ladder at a playground
Stacks objects
Turns book pages
Uses hands to turn objects such as knobs, toys, or lids
Draws lines
At 2½ Years
Social
Urinates in a potty or toilet
Spears food with fork
Washes and dries hands
Increasingly engages in imaginary play
Tries to get parents to watch by saying, “Look at me!"
Language
- Uses pronouns correctly
Motor
Walks up steps, alternating feet
Runs well without falling
Copies a vertical line
Grasps crayon with thumb and fingers instead of fist
Catches large balls
At 3 Years
Social
Enters bathroom and urinates by herself
Puts on coat, jacket, or shirt without help
Eats without help
Engages in imaginative play
Plays well with others and shares
Language
Uses 3-word sentences
Speaks in words that are understandable to strangers 75% of the time
Tells you a story from a book or TV
Compares things using words such as bigger or shorter
Understands prepositions such as on or under
Motor
Pedals a tricycle
Climbs on and off couch or chair
Jumps forward
Draws a single circle
Draws a person with head and 1 other body part
Cuts with child scissors
At 4 Years
Social
Enters bathroom and has bowel movement by himself
Brushes teeth
Dresses and undresses without much help
Engages in well-developed imaginative play
Language
Answers questions such as “What do you do when you are cold?" or “What do you do when you are you sleepy?"
Uses 4-word sentences
Speaks in words that are 100% understandable to strangers
Draws recognizable pictures
Follows simple rules when playing a board or card game
Tells parent a story from a book
Motor
Hops on one foot
Climbs stairs while alternating feet without help
Draws a person with at least 3 body parts
Draws a simple cross
Unbuttons and buttons medium-sized buttons
Grasps pencil with thumb and fingers instead of fist
At 5 and 6 Years
Social
Language
Motor
Balances on one foot
Hops and skips
Is able to tie a knot
Draws a person with at least 6 body parts
Prints some letters and numbers
Can copy a square and a triangle
At School Age
Ongoing Issues Your Child May Face
As preterm babies get older, some of them may face ongoing physical problems (such as asthma or cerebral palsy).
They may also face developmental challenges (such as difficulties paying attention or lack of motor control). This may be especially true for babies who were very small at birth.
Once your child reaches school age, it will be important for you to work closely with his teacher and other school staff to identify any areas of concern. They can also help you find the right resources for help. If the school does not have the resources your child needs, his teachers can help you find local groups or programs to help him do well in school. You are not alone! Your child's teachers and health care team are dedicated to helping you meet all his health and educational needs.
All children will babble before they say real words. All children will pull up to a stand before they walk. We are sure that children will develop in these patterns. However, children can reach these stages in different ways and at different times. This is especially true if they were born preterm. Take some time to think about your child's development and answer the following questions.
Contact your child's doctor if you have any questions about your child's development.
Your Child's Development
How does my child like to communicate?
How does he let me know what he is thinking and feeling?
How does my child like to explore how to use his body?
Does he prefer using his fingers and hands (small muscles)?
Does he prefer using his arms and legs (large muscles)?
How does my child respond to new situations?
Does he jump right in?
Does he prefer to hang back and look around before he feels safe?
How does my child like to explore?
What kinds of objects and activities interest him?
What do those interests tell me about him?
What are my child's strengths?
In what ways does my child need more support?
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician.
There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Baby 7 months old ✔️ What a baby should be able to do
Your baby has entered the second half of life, has become more sociable, sleeps less, plays more. At 7 months, the development of the child is very fast. First of all, he hones the skills acquired in previous months, but at this time you can also notice new abilities in him.
Contents:
- Characteristic features of the development of a seven-month-old baby
- Child's indicators at 7 months
- Physical abilities of a seven-month-old baby
- Physical activity
- Reflexes, motor skills
- Mental development of a seven-month-old baby
- Psychological component, emotions and mood
- Sense organs. Perception of the surrounding world, communication with other people
- Speech and sounds
- The daily routine of a seven-month-old child.
Sleep, food and snacks - Teething nine0007 Dr. Komarovsky's opinion on the nutrition of a seven-month-old baby
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Characteristic features of the development of a seven-month-old baby
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All children are different, each baby has his own rhythm of development and learning. Much depends on the child's temperament, family environment, genetic and individual characteristics. Therefore It is important not to compare your child with other children. However, each stage of development has common patterns. How does a 7 month old baby develop? What should he be able to do?
At the seventh month of life, the baby reacts to his name by turning his head, attentively observes his parents, begins to babble and makes syllabic sounds.
The child notices new people, is afraid of strangers, shows with the help of emotions what he likes and what not. At this time, you will be able to determine whether your baby is right-handed or left-handed. nine0003
7 month old baby:
- rolls from stomach to back and vice versa;
- lying on his stomach, trying to crawl forward;
- can hold two objects with two hands at the same time;
- throws toys on the floor and looks for them;
- bangs toys;
- refuses to eat unloved foods;
- is mastering the skill of chewing - it's time to start teaching him how to eat on his own.
Let's talk about all the features in more detail. nine0003
Baby's performance at 7 months
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At this time, babies continue to gain weight rapidly, but grow more slowly. The weight of the child is a fundamental factor in physical development at 7 months of age. You should carefully observe how fast this happens.
Seven-month-old babies weigh an average of about 8 kg. This is about twice as much as at birth. Weight gain in this case is about 100-120 g per week.
What if the child's weight is too large or too small?
A pediatrician should be contacted if the weight, as a physical aspect of the child's development, differs significantly from the norm provided for his age. Too much baby weight may indicate overfeeding. Too low weight can be caused by malnutrition or even a serious illness.
Differences between boys and girls
The table below shows the ideal weight range for a 7 month old, along with other important factors such as height, head circumference and expected monthly gain. nine0003
| Boys | Girls | |
| Weight (kg) | 7 to 9.2 | 6.2 to 8.6 |
| Height (cm) | 67 to 75. 5 | 63 to 74 |
| Head circumference (cm) | 43-46 | 41-45 |
| Chest circumference (cm) | 43-48 | 43-46 |
| Monthly weight gain (g) | 450 | 450 |
Physical abilities of a seven-month-old baby
At seven months, not many well-developed children like to lie on their backs. When the baby is placed on a changing table or on a blanket, he almost immediately rolls over on his stomach. Dressing and undressing the baby during this period becomes a real torture for many parents. From the seventh month, the child is taught new skills from the “on the tummy” position. Life from this position seems much more interesting to the baby - so he sees more things and can try to start moving towards an attractive destination. nine0003
Physical activity
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Usually, at the age of 7 months, the child has a desire to reach for nearby objects. Therefore, it will be useful if you offer the baby an additional incentive to move forward, for example, put him in a crib on his stomach and leave a few bright toys next to him.
Starting to crawl
On the seventh month, babies discover a new position – on all fours. The technique may vary. As a rule, the child tries to lift the torso and pelvis up, resting his arms and legs on the floor. Some babies, lying on their tummy, rise on their hands, pulling the body along with them. Others work with their feet, leaning on the handles. nine0003
Whatever path a child chooses, learning to crawl is not easy. As often as possible, give the baby the opportunity to exercise by laying him on the floor. Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement, avoid clothes with a fastener in the front - buttons or snaps can hurt the child. Remember that smooth floors are the easiest to crawl on - consider rolling up the rugs for a while.
If the child is crawling backwards, position him so that he can kick off the wall with his feet. This will help him move in the right direction. Make sure that there are no small objects on the floor - the baby can put them in his mouth and choke. nine0003
Has your child started crawling yet? There is nothing to worry about. Most babies don't master this skill until they are 8 or 9 months old. This is normal and you don't have to worry about it.
Preparing to sit up on their own
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By the seventh month, babies usually cannot sit up on their own. In a sitting state, they lean forward or fall to the side. In children at this age, protective and balancing reactions are not fully formed. So don't worry if your child isn't sitting up yet. This is fine. nine0003
– Should a seven-month-old baby be taught to sit?
According to pediatricians, this issue should not be rushed. Sitting down an infant who is not yet ready for it can cause bad posture in the future.
A properly developing baby will learn to sit at the right time for him. In the meantime, you can lift your baby up a bit in the stroller or on pillows to feed.
Give him freedom of movement on the floor. After a while, he will raise his stomach and buttocks on straightened arms and legs bent at the knees. And this will be the first step to learning how to sit on your own. Watch the baby, accompany him in the exercises, but never bother - he will definitely cope on his own. nine0003
– Is it possible to put a seven-month-old baby on its feet?
Even if a seven-month-old baby, clutching his arms, pulls himself up, stands on strongly straightened legs, he is not ready to stand. This is due to curiosity and the desire to conquer the world, and not with its current capabilities. In such cases, it is better for you to sit with the baby on the mat, play with him on the floor and, thereby, distract him from the desire to stand on his feet.
Reflexes and motor skills
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At the age of 7 months, the child's hand-eye coordination improves. Most babies carry objects from one hand to the other and put them into their mouths.
The child examines objects carefully. He can hold one item in each hand without dropping any of them, but if he focuses on one toy, the other will fall out of his hand. Many children can pick up a bottle and remove the pacifier from it.
Thumb gripping ability is increased - baby can grab an empty cup by the ear. Encourage the development of psychomotor skills - offer your baby toys and soft objects that require hand movements. nine0003
Mental development of a seven-month-old child
The child begins to understand that things exist even when they disappear from view. This applies, for example, to mothers - the baby knows: if the mother disappears for a moment, then she will immediately appear. It can also determine the distance to an object. He rejoices when he sees the closest people, and may show anxiety when a stranger wants to take him in his arms.
At the seventh month, the child becomes more and more social and seeks contact with the environment. Therefore, it is very important that the baby hears his name as often as possible - at about 7 months of age, he begins to understand that it belongs to him. nine0003
The child is interested not only in the name, but also in their own appearance. Therefore, he looks with great interest at his reflection in the mirror - laughs, tries to touch the mirror with his hand, gesticulates.
Psychological component, emotions and mood
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A seven-month-old baby craves new experiences. When he gets bored, for example, in a crib with one toy, he lets you know with his behavior and sounds that he is unhappy. nine0003
A child on the seventh month of life knows how to show who he loves and who he doesn't. When meeting new people, he may try to hide behind his parents or even burst into tears. He also openly shows his sympathy - he can smile at people he likes and wave his arms at them.
The long-term memory of a 7-month-old baby is much better than a few weeks ago. At this stage, the baby can recognize a person whom he has not seen for several days.
In the seventh month, he begins to understand the meaning of the word "no." Certain prohibitions and restrictions during this period are the tools with which you establish the first conditions of safety and form the correct thinking of your child. nine0003
Sense organs. Perception of the surrounding world, communication with other people
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The baby becomes more and more interested in his immediate environment and focuses on details. He is interested in walks outside the home, he watches his loved ones, remembers people from his environment. At this moment, the baby definitely highlights the mother. Most of all, he smiles at her, wants to play with her and wants her to be around.
Speech and sounds
At seven months, the child is already practicing speech: repeating sounds and syllables, for example, “ba-ba-ba”, “ga-ga-ga”, “ma-ma-ma”.
He may also begin to understand the meaning of individual words, especially everyday objects. You can catch a sense of rhythm in speech and in the actions that the baby performs - for example, he already shows the ability to clap. nine0003
During this period, the infant tries to imitate the parents' speech, tries to communicate with them using sounds, gestures and facial expressions. He willingly reaches for toys that make sounds: rattles, squeaking animals, ringing bells. He also likes to make some noise himself - laughs, squeals, enthusiastically falls to the floor, knocks on the countertop with a spoon. If you allow, he will arrange a real orchestra in your kitchen.
The daily routine of a seven-month-old child. Sleep, nutrition and complementary foods
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A seven-month-old baby should sleep an average of 14 hours a day. This is usually continuous night and two daytime sleep. However, the child can sleep when and how much he wants, provided that he sleeps at least once a day.
A well-fed child usually sleeps well. A hungry or overwhelmed baby may experience insomnia and anxiety. To help your child fall asleep, you can give him a warm bath with his favorite toys, tell a story, or turn on soft music.
If you have been exclusively breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby up to seven months, it's time to enrich his menu. According to pediatricians, dietary expansion should begin no later than seven months. Suitable for complementary foods:
- vegetable and fruit purees;
- broths and cereals containing eggs or meat;
- natural yogurt;
- cheese;
- fish;
- various cereal products.
In addition to rice, buckwheat or oatmeal, apple, carrot or potato puree, you can give your child juices from blueberries, raspberries, pears, peaches, apricots. A whole bunch of vegetables are at your disposal. Start with a pumpkin with a mild, delicate taste, then you can add cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, green peas.
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If your family has a food allergy to any of these foods, do not give them to your child until they are one year old. Don't give your child everything at once. Expand his diet gradually, with an interval of several days before each new type of complementary food.
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The most important innovation in the nutrition of a 7-month-old baby is not new products, but a change in the consistency of dishes. Before the teeth appear, the baby presses the food with the gums and thus prepares for the consumption of foods that need to be chewed. If the child can eat the pulp, it is time for him to learn to chew. Therefore, the puree served to the baby in the seventh month of life should no longer have a perfectly smooth creamy consistency, but should contain lumps, that is, small pieces of food. nine0003
Many children love to try new foods - this is an exciting and fun game for them. Take advantage of the moment. Put chopped boiled carrots, pieces of soft fruits, meat, eggs, potatoes on a plate.
Let the child take what he likes and taste. In addition, this method encourages the child to eat independently.
For other children, switching from milk to other flavors is traumatic and a real exercise in patience for parents. New foods - eg fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats - should be introduced sequentially and separately, observing the child's reaction. nine0056 When introducing complementary foods, start with a small amount, such as 3-4 teaspoons. Never force your child to eat more than he wants.
Teething
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The onset of weaning often coincides with teething - the first incisors appear at about 7 months of age. You can understand that the tooth is about to come out if the child swallows everything that he finds nearby or if he sucks on his fist. The fist helps him relieve the pain - so he massages his own gums. nine0003
Other signs of teething: the child drools a lot, becomes more irritable and whiny.
Teething is annoying for babies. To ease the discomfort, you can offer your baby a teether, which should first be kept in the refrigerator for a while. The cold will help soothe sore and irritated gums.
Keep your baby safe while eating:
- put your baby in the high chair. Thanks to the seat belts, you can be sure that the baby will not fall out of it; nine0008
- Keep cups of hot drinks out of your child's reach. The kid can accidentally knock them over and get burned.
At seven months, the baby will need his own dishes: plastic cutlery, a non-spillable cup with two ears. He will try to hold the cup with both hands and practice drinking on his own.
Dr. Komarovsky's opinion on the nutrition of a seven-month-old baby
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Evgeny Komarovsky, pediatric practitioner, author of useful books and TV programs dedicated to children's health, considers the concept of the norm in development and, in particular, in children's nutrition , a controversial issue.
“Each parent raises a child in their own way, and the children grow up healthy,” says the doctor. The main thing is that, according to Komarovsky, 90% determines the health of the baby - this is the adequacy of the parents, their willingness to learn and take responsibility for their child.
Taking this opinion into account, it is possible to create an individual, useful and rational menu for a 7-month-old baby. According to Komarovsky, this is the age when a child can already taste sour-milk products and cereals. The doctor advises introducing the baby to vegetables, as well as introducing other foods into his diet. However, Komarovsky recommends sticking to breastfeeding as the main type of nutrition for as long as possible. nine0003
Games & Safety
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The seventh month of life is a period when a child becomes more and more interested in toys that were previously too difficult for him. This is the time when details are important to him.
Parents may notice, for example, that a baby pays a lot of attention to touching the tiny buttons on grandma's blouse. He often throws toys out of the stroller or crib and watches them fall. Lifting them is tiring, but be patient. Thanks to this game, the child develops an eye and explores objects. nine0003
To support your baby, create a safe environment for exploration. Keep only safe items within reach of the child. Move anything that could be poisonous, cause choking, or break into small pieces. Cover electrical outlets, keep cords from blinds or curtains out of reach, install child locks on doors and cabinets.
If you have furniture with sharp edges, remove it from the room where the child plays. It's the same with light objects he can use in his attempts to get back on his feet, like plant stands, decorative tables, potted trees, and floor lamps. Attach bookcases, TVs and their stands to the wall. nine0003
A 7-month-old baby needs the bare minimum of toys to help strengthen muscles and prepare for walking.
Take inventory and see if your baby has the following toys:
- toys on wheels that baby can push while crawling;
- a ball that he can roll with his hands or feet;
- musical toys that encourage the child to move;
- toys that help the child to pull himself up and stand up, such as an exercise table. nine0008
7-month-old baby care
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Basic hygiene routines - changing diapers, daily washing, bathing, massage - remain the same as before. Skin care is very important in the seventh month of a child's life - at this time, it is prone to peeling, acne, eczema. To treat and prevent these conditions, use baby skin care products made with natural ingredients.
At the age of seven months, the first acquaintance with the potty often takes place. It is best to carry out such procedures before going to bed, but you do not need to insist and force the child to do this by force. Also, don't expect your child to be potty trained quickly.
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A seven-month-old child must spend at least two hours outdoors during the day, practically regardless of the weather conditions outside. Being outdoors is of great importance for the formation of immunity in a child. In addition, walking helps the baby develop new skills and learn about the world around him.
How to promote the development of a seven-month-old baby? Tips for parents
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1. Keep talking to your baby
Babies develop vocabulary according to how much their parents talk to them, but they go even further when they are given the opportunity to say something. Research shows that babbling is very beneficial for child development. Talk to your baby, tell him what you are doing and give him the opportunity to "participate" in the conversation. It's very simple. Say something and wait until the child repeats the sounds. Ask questions that require a “yes” or “no” response. nine0003
2.
Teach your child about cause and effect Press the button on the musical toy, dance to the tune. Turn on the sound video of animal voices, listen with your child to how a cow mooes, how a dog barks, how a cat meows. Repeat the sounds, encourage your baby to do the same.
3. Take time to play
Place the toys on the floor with a rug and pillows and encourage the child to crawl. Get creative: build a tower of blocks and invite your child to knock it down. Try to accompany the games with music - the baby likes it, he delightfully babbles to the sounds. nine0003
If you don't mind the mess, smear the baby's table tray with applesauce and let your child paint with the mixture. While bathing, offer him small containers and plastic utensils for pouring and pouring water.
4. Read books
Set aside time to read every day, even if it's only a few minutes. Reading aloud is one of the easiest ways to improve your child's language development. In addition, it greatly strengthens the connection and feeling of closeness between you.
Make reading more interesting with facial expressions, sound effects and voices of various characters. Keep books within easy reach so your child can study them whenever they want. nine0003
How to understand that a child is lagging behind in development?
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Your child may reach certain developmental milestones ahead of schedule or slightly behind others. This is fine. However, check with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby showing any of the following:
- does not roll over or sit up with your help;
- does not like to lie on his stomach; nine0007 does not withstand the load on the legs;
- does not try to attract attention with actions;
- shows no interest in the person who cares about him;
- does not make sounds;
- does not make eye contact;
- does not try to reach for a toy that is out of reach of his hands;
- is not interested in games.
In any case, trust your instincts. The sooner a problem is found, the sooner it can be fixed. nine0003
Encourage your little one to take action and he will keep up with his age. Remember that the baby needs time to understand and master many things unfamiliar to him, so take your time and do not be nervous - everything has its time. Care, attention and a lot of love will make your child healthy, strong and strong.
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Key Indicators - Child Development
When a child is 7 months old, the life of a parent becomes full of surprises. They are very happy because the child finally understands the word "no". He turns his head when he hears his name.
This is a very important event at this age.
Consider what indicators of development a child can achieve at 7 months.
List of indicators of the development of a seven-month-old baby
| Development indicators achieved | Emerging development indicators |
| Uses voice to express emotions. | nine0002 Will produce individual consonant sounds. |
| Understands the word "no". | Will understand simple one-word instructions. |
| Finds partially hidden items. | Can find completely hidden items. |
| Can grasp objects with all fingers. | Can pick up objects with two fingers. |
| Responds to his own name. | Can remember multiple names (eg toys). |
| Lying on the stomach, can support the weight of the body on the hands. | nine0101 |
| Checks the causes and consequences of various actions. | Will remember the consequences of previous actions. |
| Distinguishes tone of voice. | Will be able to distinguish even more tones and voices. nine0104 |
| Has a good sense of space. | Can estimate distance well. |
| Explores objects with hands and mouth. | Uses hands more often to manipulate objects. |
Let's take a closer look at the development indicators given in the table. nine0003
7-month-old child development indicators
Child development indicators can be divided into four categories: cognitive, physical, social and emotional.
The skills that a child acquires in each of the areas contribute to his overall development.
Indicators of the development of the cognitive sphere
These indicators are associated with the development of the brain, cognitive functions and thought processes of a seven-month-old child:
- The child finds partially hidden objects. Cover the toy with a blanket so that part of it is visible. A seven-month-old baby will be able to find it in a few seconds. At this age, children understand that when they see part of an object, they can get it all. nine0008
- Child explores objects with hands and mouth. The child feels new objects with his hands, and then takes them into his mouth. For seven-month-olds, this is a way of getting to know something new and unfamiliar.
- The child realizes that he sees his reflection in the mirror. Children love to look in the mirror because they can already interpret their reflexes and can distinguish their own reflection from another person.
- The child can distinguish the tone of voice. Parents feel that their child has become better at taking instructions. This is primarily due to the fact that at this age the child is able to distinguish the tone of voice. Phrases or instructions given in different tones evoke different reactions in the child. For example, when a baby is crying, you can angrily ask him, "What do you want?" You will see that his crying will become louder. If you say the same phrase in a soft tone, it can calm the baby. nine0008
- The child has an idea of the constancy of objects. The child no longer thinks that the hidden object has disappeared. He has an idea of the constancy of objects. This means that if an object disappears from the child's field of vision, it does not disappear at all. If the mother leaves the room, the child will look through the doorway. He knows that she is not gone forever and will enter the same door she came out of.
- The child remembers causes and effects better.
A seven-month-old baby remembers the consequences of his actions better. He knows that if he drops a toy on the floor, mom or dad will pick it up, that different objects make different sounds when hit, and so on. The child experiments with different actions and remembers what they lead to. nine0008
Indicators of physical development
At the age of seven months, the child reaches the following indicators of physical development and develops the following muscle functions:
- The child keeps the weight of the body on his feet. When you used to put the child on his feet, they immediately buckled, now the child can support the weight of the body on his legs. However, he cannot stand yet, so you must support his arms. At the same time, the ability to keep the weight of the body on the legs is an important indicator of the development of the child. nine0008
- The child can roll in both directions. A seven-month-old baby is able to roll from his stomach to his back and vice versa.
- The child can sit without leaning on his arms. Babies can sit without hand support as early as six months of age, but until seven months they will still rest their hands on the floor, partially transferring their hands to them. At seven months, the child sits without the support of his hands. His back muscles are strong enough to support his body without any assistance. nine0007 The child can pick up food with his fingers. If you put a bowl of food (such as a cookie) in front of your child, he will pick up the cookie in his hands and put it in his mouth. A seven-month-old baby can easily eat such food without the help of parents.
- The child can grasp objects with all fingers. To pick up an object from a flat surface, the child uses all fingers and palm. His arms are developed enough to do this.
- The child fully distinguishes colors. At seven months, the child's perception of colors is fully developed, and now he can perceive shades as well as an adult.
Also, a child at this age perceives space and distance better. This means that he can see objects in the distance better than before. nine0008
Indicators of Social and Emotional Development
Seven-month-old babies show significant progress in developing social and emotional skills
:
- The child uses voice to express emotions. The voice becomes the main attribute of the child's behavior. If the baby is upset, he grumbles, and his voice is different from the one he uses when he is tired. The child responds with a voice to the voices of others, as if trying to speak. nine0008
- The child reacts to the emotions of the parents. He smiles when he sees his parents laughing. He cries if the parents are very worried about something. Seven-month-old babies accurately recognize the emotions of parents and other people.
- The child understands when they say "no". Parents are touched by how the child reacts to prohibitions: he stops halfway and looks at his parents with a serious expression on his face.
- The child responds to his own name. At the age of seven months, the child understands that the name often given to him by his parents is his own name, and learns to respond to it. nine0008
- The child likes to play in a group. He likes to be the center of attention. Playing in a band becomes one of his favorite pastimes. Therefore, he likes to have brothers, sisters, grandparents nearby during the game.
Every child is different and therefore sometimes it takes a child longer than others to reach a certain milestone. However, there are certain signs that you should watch out for. Let's consider these signs in more detail. nine0003
Causes for concern
Pay attention to the following signs - they may indicate a delay in the development of a seven-month-old child:
1. The child cannot sit. Seven-month-old babies are good at sitting. If not, it may be a symptom of developmental delay.
2. The child cannot change the tone of his voice.
Children use the voice as a tool to express emotions. If a child cannot change his tone of voice, this may be a cause for concern. nine0003
3. The child does not respond to sounds. At the age of seven months, children have better hearing than before. If the child does not respond to sounds, this may indicate a hearing problem.
4. The child looks around absently. He does not notice the toy or plate of food that you put in front of him, cannot focus on objects, and does not smile in response to the smile of his parents.
5. The child cannot bring his hand to his mouth. This action is necessary in order to learn how to eat. The inability to bring the hand to the mouth prevents the child from learning to eat. nine0003
6. The child's body feels stiff. When you place him on his back or stomach, his limbs feel extremely stiff. Or vice versa: when you take the child in your arms, his head and upper body lean back.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your pediatrician for a correct diagnosis.
Check your child periodically to detect any developmental delay.
Parents can always support the healthy development of a child. nine0003
How parents can support the development of a seven-month-old baby
Let's look at some simple ways to help your child develop properly:
1. Lay the baby on his stomach, devote enough time to such activities. This activity is very important for the child, because it helps to strengthen his muscles. Spend enough time on this - at least three times a day for five minutes. If the child himself lies on his stomach to play, this is a good sign.
2. While playing with the child, let him squat. Hold the child in an upright position by holding his hands. Lowering your arms, help the child to sit down. This will strengthen the muscles of the legs and back, as well as develop the mobility of the knee and hip joints.
3. Encourage your child to eat independently. Place a plate of food in front of the child.
Let him eat on his own, at this time be on the alert. This is an important skill that needs to be constantly developed in a child. This will teach the child to stop when he is full. nine0003
4. Play with your child along with other relatives. Play when grandparents come to visit or friends come to visit. This develops the child's social skills well and helps him cope with anxiety.
5. Choose toys that develop your child's skills. Seven-month-old babies have already formed several skills. For example, the child may already grasp objects. Choose a toy that further develops these skills.
With your help, the child will be able to develop normally and achieve the necessary indicators in a timely manner. Some children may take longer to achieve certain milestones than others. Therefore, do not be intrusive and do not rush the child. If you feel that the child is lagging behind in the development of any skills, contact your pediatrician. Your care and love will help the child grow up healthy and strong.
