At around 7 months old, infants go through various developmental milestones, particularly related to physical and cognitive development. Here are some common milestones you might expect at this age:

1. Motor Skills:

– Rolling over both ways (front to back and back to front)

– Sitting up without support

– Attempting to crawl or actively crawling

– Standing with support or pulling up to a standing position

2. Communication Skills:

– Babbling with consonant sounds (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”)

– Responding to their own name

– Recognizing familiar faces and objects

– Understanding simple gestures like “bye-bye” or “come here”

3. Cognitive Skills:

– Object permanence: Understanding that objects exist even when out of sight

– Exploring objects by shaking, banging, or mouthing

– Beginning to understand cause and effect (e.g., dropping a toy to see it fall)

– Showing interest in picture books

4. Social and Emotional Skills:

– Developing stranger anxiety and becoming more attached to primary caregivers

– Enjoying social interaction and engaging in games like peek-a-boo

– Displaying a wider range of emotions, such as joy, frustration, and curiosity

– Showing preferences for certain people or toys

Regarding sleep patterns, it’s important to note that each child is unique and may have slightly different sleep habits. By 7 months old, many babies may have settled into a more predictable sleep routine. Here are some general expectations:

– Total Sleep Time: Babies around 7 months old typically sleep for about 12 to 14 hours per day, including nighttime sleep and naps.

– Nighttime Sleep: Many infants can sleep for longer stretches at night, with 1 to 2 nighttime feedings being common. They may sleep for around 10 to 12 hours at night.

– Napping: Babies of this age usually take 2 to 3 naps during the day. The length of each nap can vary, but they often range from 1 to 2 hours.

– Sleep Associations: Babies may have developed sleep associations by this age, such as a specific bedtime routine or a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and individual babies may have different sleep patterns. It’s essential to establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a safe sleep environment, and seek advice from Dream Sleep Occupational Therapy if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or development.

To contact Dream Sleep Occupational Therapy, email info@DreamSleepOT.com.au or visit the website.

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