Pregnancy & Baby 

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Development at seven months

This is a hard question to answer because, as you say, children are so different and in so many different ways. However, at seven months, many babies will be able to sit just for a minute or so, with help and the support of cushions; they won’t be able to balance on their own or get themselves into a sitting position until nine or ten months, and some not until a year.

At this time, babies will also be showing a lot of interest in what’s happening around them. Your son will probably be following moving objects and sounds nearby, but he won’t yet be obviously following conversations between two people sitting close to him – turning his head as each speaks – until eight or nine months. Seven-month-old babies will be able to hold toys, and move them from hand to hand. They will also be making sounds, babbling and gurgling, but not yet applying those sounds to objects. They don’t start trying to speak actual words until at least ten or eleven months.

If your baby seems very floppy, makes few sounds or seems unable to focus, imitate or concentrate, it may be advisable to discuss your concerns with your Health Visitor or GP. If appropriate, they will arrange an assessment. However, you shouldn’t forget that boys, on average, are less co-ordinated than girls in their first two years.

Penelope Leach’s book, Baby and Child (Penguin) is one of many that offer useful guidance on normal child development. Another is Child Care and Development, by Pamela Minnet ( John Murray).

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