Healthy Start, Grow Smart Healthy Start, Grow Smart

Your Seven-Month -Old Your Seven-Month -Old
Prepared by

U.S. Department of A

U.S. Department of 

U.S. Department of Health an

2002

Healthy 

Grow Sm

Your Seven-M
Here’s What’s Inside

Your Seven-Month-Old ..............................Your Baby’s New Independence ................Your Family’s Future ................................Breastfeeding and Pregnancy ...................Breastfeeding Advice ..................................Feeding Your Baby ....................................Moving Bath Time to the “Big Tub” .........Take Time for Yourself ..............................

What’s It Like To Be Seven Months Old? .Talking Together Helps Spouses Handle S

Fathers and Babies Need Time Together .Take Time for Your Baby............................

Fun on the Floor .......................................Early Intervention and Your Baby’s DeveloBaby Games ...............................................Safety Corner .............................................Including Your Baby’s Brothers and SisterPlenty of Love for All ................................

Information Resources for Families .........

AcknowledgmentsThis publication was an initiative of Laura Bush as the First Lady of Texasand sponsored by the Texas Department of Health. President Bush and Mrs.Bush have asked that this series of booklets be revised and distributed bythe U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services.We would like to thank the Texas Department of Health for their cooperation

and assistance in bringing this publication to families across the UnitedStates. In addition, we recognize the contributions that Susan H. Landry,Ph.D., Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. and many other individuals made in thedevelopment of this magazine.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 1 

Your Seven-Month-Ol

At seven 

kinds of thweeks agomoment wleaning forsupport histanding. Iposition, hmay be mobelly. He mclap, pull, hands. He 

Being able to do these things makes him he wants to do, he may smile, laugh, clap Smile at him or give him extra hugs when Trying things over and over can be fun for when he can’t do something. He may cry way he wants. As he does things, he wants hug him. Your baby needs you to show him how to you try to do things that he thinks he knoHe may be afraid of strangers. If you leave is afraid. Be sure to give him lots of hugs something he wants to do. Give him extra this exciting time. He will love you back!
Your Family’s Future

Are you thinking about having anWould you like your children to be born cthem to be born further apart? Everyone has a different answer. Some pababy after their first child is five or six.Some parents have their children closer thave only one or two children.Talk to your spouse. Do you both have timHow much can you give? How will you feeclothes and medical care? What kind of hoWhat do you want for your children?It makes sense to plan your family. Plannicare to your children. Talk to your doctor, health clinic. Ask how you can space your There are many safe ways to delay getting Most are simple and cost little. Some worchoose the one that is best for you.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 2 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 3 

Your Baby’s New Independence

Your baby is now playing

more with his toys. At sevenmonths, he may try to movearound more by crawling onhis belly to get a toy. Be sureto inspect your house forpossible dangers. Babies find

everything. They can see tiny things on the floor and under furniture thatyou may not see when you are standing. When checking to make sure thefloor is a safe place, be sure to get down on the floor yourself, and searchcarefully with your eyes and hands for any dangers.Your baby’s memory and attention span are increasing. He may try toimitate noises or simple actions, such as clapping. He likes to play peek-aboo. He may move his head or body around to look for toys that hesuddenly cannot see. Your baby will begin to drop toys on the floor to see you pick them up. Heis learning that his rattle makes noise when he hits it or waves it around.He is learning that he can make a noise by banging a toy on the floor or atable. He can move a toy from one hand to the other. He may hold two toysfor a very short time.Your baby knows you. He knows that you are the same person who greetshim every morning. He may be shy around people he has not seen before.He may not like it if someone rushes up to him and picks him up. He mayneed a little time to get used to someone new before he gets picked up bythat person.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 4 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 5 

Breastfeeding and PregnancyMaybe you’ve heard that you can’t get pregnant when you’re breastfeeding. That’s not always true. It depends on how much you breastfeed.

And it depends on when your monthly period returns. Breastfeedingshould not be used as the only method of birth control. There are variousmethods of birth control that work well with breastfeeding. Your doctor canhelp you choose the one that would work best for you.

Breastfeeding AdviceAt seven months, your baby may begin to eat mashed or pureed vegetables

and fruit in addition to infant cereal. These foods are not as important asbreast milk. Do not worry if he is more interested in playing with his foodsthan eating them. Nursing him will meet most of his food needs. Sometimes, your baby may bite down on your breast with his new teethwhile he is breastfeeding. He doesn’t know that it hurts you. Usually, thishappens late in the feeding. If it does, slip your finger in between his gumsand gently say, “No.” If he does it again, slip your finger in between hisgums and gently say, “No” again. To learn more about breastfeeding, you may want to contact your localhealth department, WIC clinic, hospital, La Leche League or doctor. Youcan call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site atwww.lalecheleague.org/.

Feeding Your BabyAt meal times, your baby may show yo

himself. He may want to hold his cup by hYou can avoid spills by putting just a little him. Or you can give him an empty cup to another cup.Your baby may not always be interested in more interested in playing with his spoon meals may take longer than when he was Learning new skills is important.Never add corn syrup or honey to your bamay contain germs that can make your ba
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 6 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 7 

Moving Bath Time to the “Big Tub”

Your baby may be getting too big

for his baby bathtub. You can startbathing him in the family bathtub whenhe is able to sit up by himself.Get everything ready before you putyour baby in the tub. First, get the soap,washcloth, towel, shampoo and toystogether. Then run the water. Test it onthe inside of your wrist to be sure thewater is warm but not hot. If the waterfeels hot on your wrist, it is too hot foryour baby. 

When everything is ready, place your baby in the water. Be sure to stayclose to your baby while he is in the water. Never leave your baby alonewhen he is in the tub. Do not turn away from your baby when he is inthe tub. A good rule is always to keep one hand on your baby the wholetime he is in the tub. He could slip under the water and drown, or hecould slip and hit his head.Baths can be fun and messy, so enjoy this time with your baby. Play gameswith him. Let him enjoy the water. Because playing in the tub can bemessy, put rugs or towels on the floor by the tub so the floor does not getwet. You or your baby could slip on a wet floor. 

Let your baby splash all he wants. As you Give him a cup or toy that he can fill up wfloating toys in the water for him to reach him learn to use his hand to find it.Give your baby his own washcloth. Encoubathe him. You can make your baby’s bath 

Take Time for YourselfIt takes a lot of your time to care for 

have time to do all the things you want to care of yourself. You need to take time for Here are some things you can do to take c

★ Exercise, or take a walk.★ Eat healthy food.★ Spend time resting in a quiet place, r

something creative that you enjoy.

★ Spend time talking with adults you e

friends or a community group.

★ Get enough rest. Check with your do★ Share your thoughts, hopes and belie

friends. Listen to their thoughts, toohelp you solve problems.

Your baby will be happier if he has happy that make you feel good. This is importanstress and take better care of your baby.
What’s It Like To Be Seven Months Old?

How I grow:

★ I creep across the floor, and I may crawl.★ I may help you pull me up to a standing position by keeping my legs

straight. 

★ When you hold me under my arms, I can stand and step in place. I

like to look at my feet.

★ When I’m lying on my back, I like to bring my feet to my mouth.★ I can hold an object in each hand. I like to bang things together.★ I can sit with a little support.★ I have very good eyesight.★ I am starting to feed myself with my hands.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart

8 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart

9 

How I talk:

★ I like to imitate the sounds I hear.★ I like to say short sounds, like “ba,” “

sounds in a row.

How I respond:

★ I listen to my own voice and the voic★ I may cry when my mommy or daddy ★ I like to give hugs and kisses to peop★ I only want my favorite people to pic

How I understand:

★ I explore with my hands and feet.★ I struggle to get objects that are out ★ I can find objects that are partly hidd★ When you bounce a ball in front of m

next bounce.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 10 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 11 

Talking Together Helps Spouses 

Handle Stress

QuestionEver since we had the baby, there’s been a lot of stress between my spouseand me. We never seem to have time just to sit and talk anymore. I can’tseem to say how I feel. Do you have any suggestions?AnswerWith all the extra work a baby brings into your life, it is hard for parents tomake time for each other.You may have all kinds of feelings that you need to talk out. You may feelresentment, or you may feel guilt or anger.Not talking about your feelings can hurt your relationship. As hard as itmay seem, you must make time to be alone together. Your spouse probablyhas things to talk about, too.

Here are some tips on how to talk to each 

★ Don’t blame each other. This will onl

worse. Avoid saying “you always” or “

★ Take turns listening to each other. Li

words to repeat what your spouse sayleft out when I spend so much time wYou will have your turn next.

★ When it is your turn to talk, use “I” m

have to do all of the work.” Avoid usianything around here.”

★ Don’t expect your spouse to read you

feeling. Say how you feel.

★ Be specific about what is troubling yo

you say you’ll clean the bathroom, bu

★ Be sure to say what you like about wh

“I like how you’re patient with the bathe shopping.”

Having a new baby can make many things may create more work for you and your spmatters may help you work things out. Tathings from getting out of hand.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 12 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 13 

Fathers and Babies Need Time Together

Being the father of a sevenmonth-old baby is great. The

fun is just starting. At this age,your baby is much more active.He enjoys playing. He wants tomove around on his own. Hewants to explore everything.

Make sure your house is “baby-proof.” Your baby will put anything into hismouth. He will poke his fingers into everything. Be sure that unusedelectrical outlets have covers. Put medicines and cleaning products out ofyour baby’s reach. Crawl around the floor of your house. Look for dangerous things, such aselectrical cords and sharp objects. That way, you can see the room and theobjects in the room the same way your baby sees them.After your house is safe, get down on the floor with your baby. Fathers andbabies need time together. Put a toy just out of his reach and coax him topush himself toward it. Don’t push too hard if he’s not ready.

Here are some other games to play with h

★ Roll a soft ball to him and let him pic★ Play peek-a-boo.★ Play clapping games with him.★ Smile and clap when he does what he ★ Hug and comfort him when he gets u

Plan a time to be with your baby. This can he gets a bath, at bedtime or any time thaYou’re his daddy. It’s okay for you to do thbaby’s mother does things.

Know your baby’s caregiverTake time to talk with your baby’s caregivwant for your baby. Talk about what you wabout your baby’s habits. Talk about his liAt this age, a baby starts to feel afraid of sget used to his caregiver before you leave 
Take Time for Your Baby

By now, you may have returned to work or school. When you get

home from work or school, you have already put in a long day.You may feel like getting your baby to bed as soon as possible so you canrelax. But quiet time with your baby can be a way to renew your tired bodyand to have some fun.Plan to spend time with your baby every night. Your baby is going througha time that is exciting for him. He is learning new things every day. He islearning to talk, creep and feed himself. He needs your praise when hetries to do new things.Hug him often. Play with him every day. Babies love games like peek-a-boo.At this age, he loves to imitate the sounds you make. Make a sound andthen let him try to make the same sound. He can say things like “ba,”“ma,” and “da.”He loves to look in the mirror at himself and at you. He will laugh andmake happy gurgling sounds when he sees himself. He is learning thedifference between your reflection in the mirror and the real you.Rock him. Read to him. Sing songs with rhyming words. All of thesethings will make your baby happy. He will reward you with smiles, laughsand hugs.You can learn more about how to teach your baby as he grows. Talk toyour doctor or clinic. They may have a list of helpful books, videos, classesand Internet sites.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 14 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 15 

Fun on the FloorAs your baby grows, so does his interes

explore his world. Here are some things hfloor. These are things that will help him l

★ Sit your baby on the floor and put a la

front of him. Hold a small ball over tha few times and then give him the ba

★ Encourage him to drop it into the con★ Put your baby on the floor. Give him ★ Put your baby on the floor. Place severa

up and name it. Hand it to your baby. Ytelephone, a doll, a spoon, a ball, a bloc

★ While playing games and having fun, 

are doing.
Baby Games

Your seven-month-old loves to play. 

play with him:

★ Squeeze one of your baby’s toys to m

a blanket while he is watching you. L

★ Bang two toys or objects together in 

try it, too.

★ Give your baby one end of a towel or 

Gently pull on your end.

★ Cut out large, colorful pictures of obj

pictures on paper to make a book for lap and talk to him about each pictur

★ Let your baby play with musical toys, 

none of the parts can come loose.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 16 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 17 

Early Intervention and Your Baby’s Developing Skills

Children learn skills as they grow.

These skills happen by certain ages. Achild learns skills at his own pace. Youcan see how your baby is doing. Watchwhen he starts to crawl, walk, talk andfeed himself.

If you are concerned that your baby is learning skills too slowly, call yourdoctor. You can also call 1-800-695-0285 to get information. The call isfree. When you call, you will be told how to contact the early interventionprogram in your state. Staff of your state’s early intervention program canassist you in finding help in your state.

What is an early intervention program?An early intervention program helps children from birth to age three.Early intervention staff can help your baby learn to roll over, sit up, crawland grasp toys.They also help children who are having problems with seeing, hearingand talking. How does an early intervention program help? It can help your child withneeded services and also help you join a support group. Your family and early intervention staff can work together to plan services.These services teach basic skills and can be done in your home or duringchild care.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 18 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 19 

Safety CornerHere are some tips for keeping your baby safe andhealthy:Basic safety tips

★ Check the temperature of your baby’s bath

water before you put him into the tub.

★ If you can, set your hot water heater to 120 degrees or less. Hot water

can burn your baby’s skin.

★ Never leave your baby alone in the bath. Never leave him alone in

water, even in a small amount of water. Never leave him alone nearany water, not even a mop pail or a basin with water in it.

★ Never shake or hit your baby.★ Never smoke around your baby.★ Never sip from a hot drink while holding your baby.★ Never cook at a hot stove while holding your baby.

Crib safety

★ Crib mattresses should fit snugly. There should be no gaps between the

mattress and the sides of the crib.

★ The mattress should not be covered with plastic of any kind.★ The slats on the sides of the crib should be 2 3/8 inches apart, or even

closer. Here is a 2 3/8–inch line:It can help you to measure the spaces between the crib slats.

To learn more about safety, you can call the Consumer Product SafetyCommission at 1-800-638-2772 or visit their Web site at www.cpsc.gov/.

Car safety

★ Make sure the car seat is used proper★ Buckle your baby in his car seat in th

seat should face the rear of the car.

★ Babies should never ride in the front ★ Never hold your baby in your lap whi★ Never leaver your baby in a car alone

Families who cannot afford a car safety seHighway Traffic Safety Administration. Thresources that help low-income families pYou can call them at 1-800-424-9393 or vwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Safety with pets

★ Never leave your baby alone with a p
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 21 

Plenty of Love for All

Here are 

baby and yloved:★ Set asid

older chthey wo

★ Tell the

them w

★ When you are doing things with you

part. For example, let them help pick siblings and sit with you when you re

★ Teach your older children how to pla

this magazine with the baby under y

★ After you put your baby to bed one n

meal with your older children.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 20 Your Seven-Month -Old

Including Your Baby’s Brothers and SistersYour baby’s brothers and sisters can help him grow and learn. Include

them in activities with your baby. This can help them get along bettertogether.You and your older children can sing a song or read a story to your baby.The baby will enjoy this.Your older children can help you at the baby’s bath time. They can helpwhen you are changing his diaper.A brother or sister needs to be old enough, mature enough and aware ofhow to take care of your baby before you can even consider leaving himwith an older brother or sister, even for a short period of time. Most olderbrothers and sisters must be at least in their teens and have had a lot ofexperience handling the baby under your direct supervision before you canconsider leaving them alone together.

Playing togetherPlaying with his brothers and sisters lets your baby learn new things. Hemay learn how to touch, watch and listen in new ways. He may learn toimitate in new ways.Playing with his brothers and sisters helps teach your baby how to dothings with others.
Information Resources for Families

Families who are enrolled in the WIC program (Special SupplementalNutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) can get informationon breastfeeding, formula feeding and nutrition at their local WIC office.Families eligible for WIC receive nutrition counseling and supplementalfoods such as baby formula, milk and cereal. To find the WIC office nearestyou, call your state health department or visit the WIC Web site atwww.fns.usda.gov/wic/. Many public libraries offer free access to theInternet and provide help for first-time users.For information about early childhood education initiatives, you maycontact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit theWeb site at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/teachingouryoungest/.To learn about child care options, you may contact the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, Child Care Aware by phone at 1-800-424-2246or visit their Web site at www.childcareaware.org/.For more information and resources on postpartum depression, breastfeedingand many other women’s health issues call The National Women’s HealthInformation Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). Youcan visit their Web site at www.4woman.org/.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 22 Your Seven-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 23 

To learn more about breastfeeding, you m1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at To learn more about free or low-cost healt

call the U.S. Department of Health and Huprogram at 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also www.insurekidsnow.gov/. The American Association of Poison Contrcontrol hotline, 1-800-222-1222, should bnumbers. To learn more, you can visit the www.aapcc.org/.Families who cannot afford a car safety seHighway Traffic Safety Administration. Thresources that help low-income families pYou may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or vwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/.To learn more about safety, you can call thCommission at 1-800-638-2772 or visit thFor information on disabilities and disabilcan call the National Information Center fDisabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-0285 owww.nichcy.org/.
This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. Dep

and Health and Human Services, and is in treproduce it in whole or in part is granted. publication is not necessary, the citation shAgriculture, U.S. Department of Education Human Services, Healthy Start, Grow SmarWashington, D.C., 2002.To order copies of this publication,

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications CEducation, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794or fax your request to: 301-470-1244;or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gor call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7service is not yet available in your area, call (1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a telecdeaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should or order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubThis publication is available to download on site at: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlychildhoavailable in Spanish on the Department of EdOn request, this publication is available in allarge print, audiotape or computer diskette. Fthe Department’s Alternate Format Center (2

Coming Next Month

Mealtime with Your Eight-Month-Old

Reading to Your Baby

Your Baby’s Brain

Floor Time

...and much more!