7-8 Months Baby Milestones and Activities

Hi there, I'm sure you're here wondering what new and interesting developments your baby is going to be going through and learning in this stage of their lives. I will be sharing easy steps to understand your baby's development in months 7-8 and how to help them.

Your Baby

• Likes looking at your mouth and is aware of changes in the tone of your voice

• Explores objects with their eyes and hands at the same time

• Enjoys dropping objects onto the floor and then looking for them

• Likes when you make exaggerated facial expressions that show different emotions

• Recognizes some words - like their own name

• Touches your face, pulls on your hair, and puts their fingers in your mouth

• Likes banging hands and toys on surfaces

• May start using finger and thumb to pick up smaller objects (pincer grasp)

• Babbles

• Can track fast-moving objects

• Plays with feet and toes using both hands

• Can sit unassisted for a minute or two at a time

• May start to creep or crawl around

For Your Baby

• Time to splash and play in the tub

• Board books to look at and read together

• Interactive games like peek-a-boo or bouncing on your knee

• Chances to look at themselves in the mirror

• Objects that make noise

• Conversations - respond to babbling

• Safe objects that can be put in mouth

• Lots of time to practice sitting, crawling, and/or pulling up

• Loose clothing so they can move freely

• Spoon and cup to experiment with during mealtime

• A safe space that has been baby-proofed that she can explore while supervised

Toys & Activities For Your Baby

• Encourage forward movement

roll an object just out of reach during tummy time Note: babies tend to move backward on their bellies fort and learn how to scoot or crawl forward a little later

• Hiding and finding

hid an object just out of reach and show your baby how to find it. This helps teach your baby to understand that when an object can’t be seen it’s not gone forever

• Sensory play - See blog "Sensory Play In The First Year" for a full list of fun activities for you and your baby

introduce new textures, colors, and liquids. Leave baby in just a diaper or onesie bare legs and feet for maximum sensory input

* Please note that each child develops at his or her own pace and the range of normal is quite wide. However, it is helpful to be aware of red flags for potential developmental delays in children. These delays are significant lags in one or more areas of emotional, mental, or physical growth. If your child experiences a delay, please contact your pediatrician.