During this period your child will probably learn to roll over,
reach out to get what he or she wants, and sit up. You can help
your child by providing a safe place to practice moving and by
providing lots of interesting objects to reach for or move
toward.
How Is My Baby Moving?
By now your baby should be able to hold his or her head and
chest up when lying on his or her stomach. During this stage, your
child will begin pushing his or her head and chest further by
straightening the arms and arching the back, which strengthens
chest and back muscles.
Your child may also begin moving his or her legs and rocking on
the stomach. In this way, your child is getting ready to do some
rolling over and building up to crawling. During this time, your
child will probably be rolling over in both directions. Never leave
your baby unattended. These newfound movements could cause your
child to fall from a bed or couch unless you are there with your
child. Even if your child never rolled over before, there's
always a first time. Babies like to surprise you that way.
With improved neck and trunk strength, babies learn to sit when
placed in that position with support. Over these months, your baby
will learn to lean forward with arms outstretched for support, then
gradually gain the strength and confidence to sit on his or her
own, though your child will not be able to get into a sitting
position without some help.
Leg strength is also improving. Your baby will learn to support
all his or her weight when held in a standing position. It's
important not to force a baby to stand who is not ready, but by 7
months most infants enjoy standing (and bouncing!).
Your baby is using his or her hands more and more and will learn
to reach and grab for what he or she wants. During this time, your
child is also learning how to pass an object from one hand to the
other, how to turn them round and round for inspection, and how to
pick up objects by raking things with the fingers into his or her
grasp. Give your child lots of toys with sounds and textures to
pick up, shake, and explore. Be careful with small objects because
babies will place just about anything they can into their mouths
for further exploration, so be on the lookout for potential choking
hazards.
How Can I Encourage My Child's Movement?
Have a designated safe play space where favorite toys can be
kept within your baby's reach. Continue to let your baby spend
time on his or her tummy. In this position, encourage your baby to
lift his or her head and chest off the floor. Make some noises,
shake a rattle to entice your child to look, then lift up. Place a
favorite toy in front of your baby to encourage forward
movement.
Let your baby practice sitting by supporting your child with
your hands or with a pillow behind his or her back. In a sitting
position, your baby's hands are free to reach for and explore
toys.
From a sitting position, help your baby pull to stand. One. Two.
THREE! While standing, let your baby bounce a few times before
lowering him or her back down. These three positions (tummy,
sitting, standing) let your baby exercise his or her muscles and
master the skills needed to move to the next developmental
level.
When Should I Talk to the Doctor?
Development follows a predictable pattern that builds on skills
your child previously attained. There is a wide variation in the
time it takes for infants and children to achieve specific skills,
but if you are concerned about your child's development, talk
to your child's doctor.
Let your doctor know if your child doesn't:
- use an arm, leg, or one side of body
- roll over
- bear weight on legs
- sit while supported
- reach for objects
Lingering newborn reflexes also may require attention at this
age, so check with your doctor if your infant still exhibits the
Moro or tonic neck reflex:
- The Moro reflex causes an infant to suddenly throw his or her
arms out to the sides and then quickly bring them back toward the
middle of the body whenever he or she has been startled by a loud
noise, bright light, strong smell, sudden movement, or other
stimulus.
- The tonic neck reflex is also called a fencer's pose.
When an infant's head is turned to one side, it's likely
that he or she will automatically straighten the arm on that side
of the body while bending the opposite arm.
Failure to reach individual milestones doesn't necessarily
mean there is a problem, but it is worth discussing with your
child's doctor who can recommend further assessment, if
needed.
Updated and reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2005
Originally reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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