Baby - Seventh Month

'Development - Seventh Month'

What your baby does at this age:	What your baby does at this age: May raise himself to his hands and knees in preparation for crawling. However, babies have widely differing crawling styles, and yours may not use the standard four-on-the-floor style. Tries to pull himself to a standing position. Test various objects by tasting, shaking, squeezing, throwing, and banging them. Wants to be included in social situations, wiggles in anticipation of play, and shows that he has a sense of humor. Tries to imitate sounds.
Important Changes:	Your baby's sense of balance is improving rapidly. He may be able to combine sitting with other activities, such as playing with a toy. Your baby is becoming more curious amd adventurous, but this is balances by fear. He'll leave you to explore but come back often to touch base. Your baby is starting to use his fingers rather than his whole hand to investigate objects. Your baby's mental powers are growing. For example, he knows that hidden objects still exist even though he can't see them - and he'll search for them. Your baby is learning about disapproval - yours and his. He knows when you don't like what he's doing. And he knows what he doesn't want to do.
Caring for your baby:	Watch symptoms of teething -tugging at the ears, sucking the lower lip, and perhaps mild fever or changes in the stool. Offer your baby teething rings kept cold in the refrigerator. If symptoms persist, call your doctor. When you're too busy to watch your baby closely, put him in his playpen with some toys. This limited environment is good for your baby sometimes. Buy a federal approved car seat for older babies, and install it in the back seat of your car. Every time you take your baby out, be sure you're both buckled up. The infant seat can be placed facing forward after your baby weighs 17-20 pounds.