Your 7-Month-Old Baby's Development and Milestones

By 7 months old, most babies are becoming more active, curious, and social. At this stage, developmental milestones can vary, but there are common signs of growth across motor skills, communication, and social interaction. Parents often notice stronger head and trunk control, the ability to sit without support, and more coordinated hand movements. Many 7-month-olds also begin to babble, respond to their name, and show interest in social games like peekaboo.

Here’s a quick overview of typical 7-month-old milestones:

• Physical. Sits independently, rolls in both directions, may begin to scoot or crawl. 

• Fine Motor. Transfers objects between hands, bangs toys together. 

• Cognitive. Explores with hands and mouth, tracks moving objects. 

• Language. Babbles with consonant sounds, responds to voice and name. 

• Social/Emotional. Recognizes familiar faces, may show stranger anxiety. 

While every baby develops at their own pace, noticing these signs can help you track progress and spot potential concerns early. Let’s take a deeper look at some potential development milestones of a 7-month-old infant. 

Baby Development Milestones

There are many exciting milestones to keep an eye out for once your baby is 7 months old. And to celebrate your little one’s milestones each month, download our free Monthiversary Printables, which come in 4 adorable themes.

Here are some of the highlights from this month:

Physical Development: Average Weight and Height of a 7-Month-Old

At 7 months old, your baby is continuing to grow and change at an exciting pace. On average, babies this age gain about 1 to 1¼ pounds over the course of the month, and by now, many weigh around 2.5 times their birth weight. This steady weight gain is a normal and healthy part of development.

So, how much should a seven-month-old weigh? Every baby is different, but during your baby's 7-month checkup (or the next routine well-baby visit), the healthcare provider will measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference, then plot them on a baby growth chart. This helps ensure your child is growing steadily and remaining within a healthy range for their age.

You may also notice signs of a 7-month growth spurt around this time. These spurts can cause a temporary increase in fussiness, sleep changes, and extra hunger as your baby rapidly grows. Growth spurts usually last a few days and are a normal part of development. Continue to offer regular feedings and plenty of rest to help support your baby through these periods.

Wondering if your baby is on track?

Try our Baby Growth Chart Calculator below to see how your 7-month-old’s height and weight measurements compare to the averages. It's a quick, helpful way to visualize their growth percentile and progress over time!

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Movement: Coordination, Independence, and Crawling at 7 Months

One of the most striking changes you could see this month is an improvement in your baby’s ability to coordinate their movements:

• Your baby may be able to transfer objects from one hand to the other. You might even see them turn things side to side and upside down as they investigate the objects.

• They can probably roll over both ways. Most children learn to roll from their stomach to their back first. With this change, you’ll have to be extra careful when they’re on a high surface, such as a changing table. Make sure to keep an eye and hand on them!

• When your baby is sitting, they may lean forward onto their hands in a "tripod" position to support their upper body. Try giving them a toy to focus on to help keep them balanced. Soon enough, they won’t need to use their arms for extra support, and they’ll be able to sit upright unassisted.

• When your baby is lying on their back, they may reach for and grab their toes. They’re slowly learning what their various body parts can do and getting used to new sensations.

• Each baby is unique, but at 7 months old, some babies may even start crawling. And as your baby becomes more and more active, you’ll need a diaper that moves with them. Pampers Cruisers 360 are designed for active babies thanks to their 360 Stretchy waistband, up to 100% Leakproof gap-free fit, and Blowout Barrier to help prevent leaks from any angle.

Cognitive Development: 7-Month-Old Speech, Vision, and Intellectual Milestones

At 7 months old, your baby is becoming more curious, interactive, and expressive. This is an exciting time for 7-month-old baby intellectual development, as they begin to show clear preferences, respond to familiar voices, and explore the world with growing understanding.

• Speech and communication. Your baby is working hard on their 7-month-old speech milestones, even if they're not quite saying real words yet. You might hear them babble with repeated sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da”—these are important steps in learning language. They may also respond when you say their name, react to your tone of voice, and try to imitate the sounds you make. Talking to your baby regularly and using simple, repetitive words helps them learn language and builds strong parent-child bonds. Everyday interactions like naming objects, narrating your actions, or singing nursery rhymes or songs are powerful tools for supporting early communication.

• Vision and sensory awareness. Your baby’s vision continues to improve around this time. So, how far can a 7-month-old see? By now, babies can typically see across a room and recognize familiar faces and objects from a distance. Depth perception and hand-eye coordination are also sharpening—they may reach more accurately for toys or follow moving objects with their eyes. This growing 7-month-old vision ability helps support object permanence (understanding that things exist even when out of sight), which is a major intellectual milestone at this age.

• Exploration and personality. Your baby is also developing a strong sense of self and may show frustration when they can't reach a toy or communicate their needs. This is a normal part of cognitive growth and emerging independence. You’ll also notice more of their personality shining through—some babies are vocal and playful, while others are more reserved and observant. Every baby is unique, and preferences may shift from day to day. Some might need extra cuddles before bed, while others may enjoy some quiet time alone. Follow your baby's cues—they’re learning how the world works and how to communicate within it.

Behavioral Changes at 7 Months Old

As your baby grows, you may notice significant 7-month-old baby behavior changes. These shifts are a natural part of development and reflect your little one’s increasing awareness of the world and their growing desire to interact with it.

• Imitating and responding. Your baby is likely beginning to imitate facial expressions, gestures, and vocal sounds. This mimicry is not only adorable, but it’s also a critical milestone. Imitation helps babies learn how to communicate, build social skills, and understand relationships. At this age, many babies also begin testing out cause and effect. For example, your 7-month-old might drop toys just to see you pick them up. While it can seem repetitive, this behavior is a sign of healthy curiosity and cognitive growth.

• Emotional reactions and fussiness. Many parents ask: “Why is my 7-month-old so fussy?” The answer often lies in your baby's rapid developmental progress. Around this age, babies may experience increased fussiness due to several overlapping factors, including:

  • Separation anxiety (starting to prefer familiar caregivers)

  • Frustration from not being able to reach or do what they want

  • Teething pain

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Overstimulation from a more alert and active mind.

Fussiness at 7 months is common and temporary, often reflecting your baby's evolving communication and emotional needs. Comfort your baby with soothing words, gentle routines, and quiet time. Pay attention to triggers—sometimes a simple change in activity or setting can help them settle down.

Your little one is learning how to express preferences, assert independence, and navigate new experiences. With consistent support and reassurance, they’ll gradually learn to manage these big feelings.

Activities and Development Tips for Your 7-Month-Old Baby

Wondering what to do with a 7-month-old? At seven months old, your baby is eager to explore, learn, and connect with the world around them. The best way to support their development is through play, language, and safe interactions.

Here are some simple, effective ways to encourage your baby’s growth and development:

• Offer safe toys and household items. Babies love toys that vary in shape, color, texture, and sound. But you don’t have to spend a fortune—many 7-month-olds are just as fascinated by safe household items like wooden spoons, pots and pans, or magazines with colorful pictures. Always supervise playtime to ensure safety.

• Get down on the floor and play. Wondering how to play with a 7-month-old? It’s as easy as getting on their level. Offer toys your baby can reach for or grasp and let them explore. Play like this helps build fine motor skills, coordination, and trust.

• Talk, read, and sing together. Use everyday moments—diaper changes, feeding, walks—to narrate what’s happening or sing a little song. Repeating words and sounds helps your baby learn language. You can also read books with big pictures or textured pages. If you speak a second language, use it—babies are wired to absorb languages early on.

• Encourage social interaction. If your baby seems ready, introduce them to other babies or adults in a calm environment. Social interaction supports emotional development, but don’t worry if they seem shy or fussy; it’s normal at this age to feel unsure in new situations.

• Take your baby out and about. Going for walks, visiting a park, or even a trip to the supermarket can be exciting for your baby. These little adventures expose them to new sights, sounds, and social settings, enriching their sensory and cognitive development.

• Create a safe space for exploration. As your baby becomes more mobile, they need room to move and explore. A baby-proofed playpen or padded floor space can give them freedom to roll, scoot, or practice sitting up—all while staying safe.

• Choose caregivers who support development. If you're arranging childcare, select a caregiver or daycare that shares your approach to nurturing, safety, and responsive care. Quality childcare supports healthy attachment and ongoing development.

By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you’re supporting your 7-month-old baby’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development, while building your bond along the way.

What “Should” Your 7-Month-Old Be Doing?

Your baby’s daily schedule may include sleeping, feeding, bathing, and playing. Here’s an example of what a day in your baby’s life might look like:

Keep reading to discover more about your baby’s feeding, diapering, and sleeping habits at 7 months old.

Feeding Your 7-Month-Old Baby

By 7 months, your baby is ready to explore the exciting world of food beyond breast milk or formula. Whether you’re offering purees, finger foods, or following baby-led weaning at 7 months, this stage is about encouraging exploration, not nutrition replacement. At this point, breast milk or formula is still your baby’s main source of nutrients, and solids are just a supplement.

So, what to feed a 7-month-old? And how much food should you feed your 7-month-old? Here’s a guide to help you build a healthy, responsive feeding routine:

Weaning a 7-Month-Old Baby

Introducing solids—also known as weaning—is a gradual process. Whether you're following a traditional or baby-led approach, focus on creating a positive mealtime experience.

Here’s what to know:

• Breast milk or formula still comes first. At this stage, continue offering breast milk or formula on demand, as you have been. Your baby’s 7-month-old feeding schedule with solids and formula may now include 1–2 small meals of solid food per day, depending on their interest and readiness.

• Start small and simple. Begin with pureed fruit or vegetables, or iron-rich baby cereals mixed with breast milk, formula, or water. You can try mashed fruits (banana, avocado, pear) or cooked and pureed veggies like carrots or sweet potato.

• Introduce finger foods if ready. If your baby can sit up unassisted and bring food to their mouth, consider offering soft finger foods like:

  • Steamed carrot sticks or sweet potato wedges

  • Small pieces of ripe banana or avocado

  • Soft, shredded chicken or cooked lentils

  • Whole grain puffs or crackers

  • This self-feeding approach is known as baby-led weaning and supports independence and motor skill development.

• Use the right tools. Offer food with a soft, baby-sized spoon. Sit your baby upright in a highchair or on your lap, and choose a calm time of day when your baby isn’t overly tired or hungry.

• Watch for signs of fullness. If your baby turns their head away, closes their mouth, or gets fussy, it may be time to stop. Never force-feed.

• Make it fun and safe. Use a variety of colors and textures. Let your baby play a little—it’s messy, but part of learning!

• Don’t worry if they’re not interested yet. Some babies need more time. If your baby refuses solids, gets upset, or turns away, take a break and try again in a few days.

7-Month-Old Feeding Schedule and Chart

Our handy feeding chart below can give you an idea of how much and how often to feed your baby when they’re around 7 months old. You can even look ahead and see the recommendations for your little one when they’re between 9 to 12 months. And for more information, check out our dedicated guide on newborn and infant feeding schedules.

How Solid Foods May Change Your Baby’s Poop

Once your baby starts solids, you may notice changes in their bowel movements. It’s completely normal for poop to become:

• More solid

• Darker in color

• Stronger in smell.

This is a healthy sign that your baby is adjusting to new foods. However, if you notice very loose or watery stools, or blood in your baby’s stool, contact your baby’s healthcare provider—it could be a sign of sensitivity or a mild digestive upset.

As your baby grows, you’ll need to change diaper sizes, too. This diaper size and weight chart can help you find the right Pampers diaper for your baby. Plus, as you change all those diapers, it might help to know that you could actually be getting great rewards in return! (And we’re not just talking about a clean and happy baby!) Download the Pampers Rewards app!

How Much Should a 7-Month-Old Sleep?

By 7 months old, most babies need about 12 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This typically includes about 10 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep and 2 to 3 daytime naps, though individual needs and schedules can vary.

Wondering how often a 7-month-old should sleep? A typical pattern might look like:

• Morning nap (1–1.5 hours)

• Afternoon nap (1–2 hours)

• Optional third nap (30–45 minutes, often dropped by 7–9 months).

If your baby has trouble falling asleep at night, you might consider shortening or dropping the third nap. Most sleep experts recommend adjusting daytime sleep to support a consistent bedtime routine.

Tips to Support Healthy Sleep at 7 Months:

• Create a predictable bedtime routine. A warm bath, a lullaby, and a final feed can help your baby wind down.

• Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake. This teaches them how to fall asleep independently—an important skill for long-term sleep success.

• Respond consistently to night waking. Gentle reassurance without picking your baby up can help reduce nighttime awakenings over time.

• Make sure your baby sleeps safely. Always place your baby on their back in a crib, without pillows, blankets, or toys.

Want personalized support? The Pampers Smart Sleep Coach app, developed by pediatricians and sleep experts, helps you track your baby's sleep patterns and navigate regressions, training, and schedule changes with confidence.

7 Month Sleep Regression

You might be wondering, “Is there a 7-month-old sleep regression?” The answer is—yes, for some babies.

Around this age, many babies experience 7-month-old regression signs, such as:

• More frequent night wakings

• Trouble falling asleep at bedtime

• Shorter or skipped naps

• Increased fussiness or clinginess.

These changes are often due to developmental leaps, like learning to sit, crawl, or pull up. Separation anxiety may also begin around this time, which can affect your baby’s ability to settle down without you.

While sleep regressions are frustrating, they’re usually temporary. Stick to your routine, provide comfort as needed, and be patient as your baby adjusts to new skills and emotions.

Sleep Training Your 7-Month-Old

If your baby struggles to fall asleep independently, it may be time to begin sleep training your 7-month-old. At this stage, many babies are developmentally ready to learn how to self-soothe and sleep through the night.

Here’s a quick guide on how to sleep train a 7-month-old:

• Choose a method. Common techniques include:

  • Gradual check-ins (also called “Ferber method” or controlled comforting)

  • Chair method (where you slowly move farther away each night)

  • No tears approach (gentle soothing without letting your baby cry alone).

• Be consistent. No matter which method you choose, consistency is key. It can take several days to a few weeks to see results.

• Stick to a routine. Keep bedtimes and wake-up times consistent, even on weekends.

• Monitor daytime sleep. Too much or too little daytime sleep for a 7-month-old can disrupt nighttime rest. Aim for a total of 2–3 hours of naps spread across the day.

Need expert support tailored to your baby’s needs? The Pampers Smart Sleep Coach app offers guided sleep plans and step-by-step tools to help your baby (and you) get the rest you need.

Your Baby’s Health

At 7 months, it’s common for babies to catch colds or other minor illnesses as their immune systems continue to develop. Always check with your healthcare provider if you're concerned about symptoms.

Common Illnesses:

Fevers and Antibiotics

• Taking your baby’s temperature. Use a digital rectal thermometer. A fever is over 100.4°F (38°C). The safest way to take your baby’s temperature is in their bottom (rectally). Follow these three steps:

1. Put a small amount of lubricant (like petroleum jelly) on the tip of the thermometer

2. Rest your baby on their back and raise their legs up to their chest

3. Insert the tip about 1/2 to 1 inch and keep it there for a minute or until the thermometer signals the reading has been taken.

• Antibiotics. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections, not common viral infections like colds or flu. If prescribed, finish the full course as directed.

7-Month-Old Milestones Checklist

Here’s a quick reference checklist of common milestones many 7-month-olds may reach:

□ Sits without support □ Rolls over both ways □ May begin crawling or scooting □ Transfers toys from hand to hand □ Babbles with sounds like “ba” or “da” □ Responds to their name □ Recognizes familiar faces □ Shows interest in exploring objects □ Plays simple games like peekaboo □ May show signs of stranger anxiety.

To-Dos and Items You Will Need This Month

Life with a baby can be busy, so here’s a helpful checklist with some things to remember and items that might come in handy during this period:

• Double-check that your baby’s car seat is still right for their weight and height. Having a safely installed car seat is important when traveling by car. Make sure that the car seat is new and hasn’t been recalled. Also, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

• Start looking ahead—check out what kinds of things may happen when your baby is 8 months old.

• Turning 8 months old is a big day for your little one. Download and print these monthly milestone cards to celebrate and share this news with friends and family.

• Enjoy a little “me-time.” Catch up with friends, plan some one-on-one time with your partner, or simply block out some alone time. It may take a little coordinating with a babysitter or a relative to make sure you have childcare arranged, but having a chance to recharge your batteries will do wonders for how you’re feeling.

• Some items you might need this month include a highchair now that your baby’s ready for solid foods, baby toys for your playful and curious 7-month-old, baby books, diapers and wipes, and a baby thermometer. 

The Bottom Line

Your 7-month-old baby is growing fast and becoming more aware, mobile, and communicative. This month is all about exploration, whether that’s through scooting, babbling, trying new foods, or playing games with you. While each baby is different, celebrating their progress and supporting their unique pace is what matters most.

From sleep training and feeding to emotional development and playtime, you’re laying the foundation for a confident, curious, and happy little human. Keep encouraging your baby’s milestones—and don’t forget to take time to enjoy this special stage together.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}