Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Month 7

Sitting becomes stable and crawling may begin. Stranger anxiety is in full swing.

Quick Reference

Sleep

12-15 hours

Feeding

24-32 oz (710-950 ml) milk + 2 solid meals

Naps

2-3 naps

Wake Window

2.5-3 hours

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not try to get things in reach
•Does not respond to own name
•Does not recognize familiar people
•Does not look where you point
•Cannot sit with support
•Does not bear weight on legs when held upright

Why won't my baby sit up yet?

Sitting independently happens anytime between 6-9 months. If baby can hold their head steady and push up on arms during tummy time, they're on track. Talk to your doctor if baby seems very stiff or very floppy, can't hold head up, or isn't rolling by 6-7 months.

When will my baby crawl?

About 50% of babies crawl by 8 months, but the range is 6-11+ months. Some scoot, roll, or bottom-shuffle instead of traditional crawling, and some skip crawling entirely and go straight to walking. All are normal.

How much solid food should baby be eating?

At 7 months, offer solids 2-3 times daily (½ cup/120 ml total) along with 24-32 oz (710-950 ml) breast milk or formula. Milk is still the main nutrition source - solids are practice. Let baby set the pace; don't stress about amounts.

My baby is so clingy suddenly - what's happening?

Separation anxiety emerges around 6-7 months when babies develop object permanence (understanding you still exist when out of sight). It's a sign of healthy attachment. Peak clinginess happens 8-10 months and gradually improves.

What foods are choking hazards?

High-risk foods: whole grapes/cherry tomatoes (cut lengthwise into quarters), hot dogs, raw carrots, popcorn, whole nuts, hard candy, chunks of meat or cheese. Always supervise eating, keep baby upright, and learn infant CPR.

When should I start childproofing?

Start now, before baby is mobile - it happens faster than you think. Priority: outlet covers, cabinet locks, baby gates for stairs, anchor furniture to walls, move cleaning supplies up high, remove small objects from floor.

ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Sit without hand support for short periods
  • •Roll both directions reliably
  • •Bang objects on surfaces
  • •Respond to own name consistently
  • •Follow moving objects with eyes
  • •Respond to facial expressions
  • •Enjoy peek-a-boo games
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Begin crawling backwards or belly-crawling
  • •Pull to standing with support
  • •Transfer objects between hands smoothly
  • •Start drinking from open cup with help
  • •Show clear toy preferences

What's Next

Month 8 · Month 8 brings true crawling for many babies, along with object permanence - they now remember hidden objects.