7-month-old baby health & growth guide
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Get ready to expand your baby foodie’s palate. Beets and blueberries, anyone?
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Table of Contents
Ready to play? Your busy bee is eager to engage with you and others in their world these days, making playtime even more exciting (and less one-sided than it may have been before). Now, your 7-month-old baby is working on trying even more new foods, mastering those gross motor skills (crawling and walking prep!) and getting even more social. Here’s what else to know about your baby’s health and growth this month.
Related: 7-month-old baby milestones
7-month-old baby nutrition
How are solids going? Between now and when your child turns 18 months is a window of opportunity when it comes to trying new tastes and textures. Now’s the time where you’ll want to introduce a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, fruit, grains and proteins, and you can start to get creative with combinations and mash-ups. Just watch out for added salt and sugar—more on that below—and stay away from anything too hard or small and round (potential choking hazards).
As your 7-month-old baby’s feeding schedule starts to center more around family meal times, you can start to stretch out breast milk and formula feedings more too, though milk should still be your 7-month-old baby’s primary source of nutrition and calories.
The AAP and La Leche League (LLL) recommend the following feeding timeline and amounts for 7-month-olds:
- Solids: Offered 2 times per day or at family mealtimes
- Breast milk: Up to 8 ounces every 4 to 5 hours
- Formula: 6 to 8 ounces every 5 to 6 hours
While offering solids, the recommended serving sizes for a 7-month-old are:
- Infant cereal (single grain) mixed with breast milk or formula: 3 to 5 tablespoons (optional)
- Fruits: 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Vegetables: 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Shredded meats, eggs, yogurt and soft-cooked plant-based proteins, such as lentils: 2 to 3 tablespoons
Read more: 7-month-old baby feeding schedule & amounts
Baby food ideas for 7-month-olds
If you were able to spend some of the last month working on introducing new foods one at a time, you can get a little more creative now with pairings and blends for your blossoming foodie.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Oatmeal made with breast milk or formula
- Mashed avocado and banana or mango
- Beets pureed with blueberries
- Kale pureed with pears
- Butternut squash pureed with kale
- Zucchini pureed with mango
- Carrots pureed with apples
- Cucumber pureed with kale and apple
- Beef pureed with broccoli
- Chickpeas pureed with red bell pepper
A note on fruit juice and added sugar
Though it might seem tempting to give your little love a spoonful of ice cream or a lick of cupcake frosting, it’s best to hold off on offering any foods or juices with added sugar until age 2, AAP recommends. They also state that babies under 1 shouldn’t have fruit juice at all—just breast milk, formula or water should be their only liquids. That means, yep, you can start offering a small amount of water with meals at this stage. (Once they reach 12 months, they can start having cow’s milk, too.) Introducing a sippy cup with water at mealtimes can help baby practice drinking out of something other than a bottle.
Related: 5 tips on making safe, brain-boosting baby food at home
7-month-old baby weight
For babies up to 2 years of age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using the World Health Organization (WHO) weight and length charts.
The WHO growth charts for babies 0 to 2 years are based on what is standard for a predominantly breastfed infant. According to the organization, the WHO charts reflect growth patterns among children who were predominantly breastfed for at least 4 months and were still breastfeeding at 12 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends continuing to breastfeed for at least two years, as long as it benefits both mother and baby.
How much does the average 7-month-old weigh?
Growth is slowing down a bit, in comparison to the first six months of your lovebug’s life, but they’re still gaining some weight each month. At 7 months, a baby boy could range in weight from 14 pounds to 22 pounds. For a baby girl, the weight range is 13 pounds to 21 pounds. The averages are listed below.
According to the WHO:
- A 7-month-old baby boy in the 50th percentile weighs 18 pounds, 5 ounces (8.3 kilograms)
- A 7-month-old baby girl in the 50th percentile weighs 16 pounds, 14 ounces (7.6 kilograms)
What factors contribute to a 7-month-old baby’s weight?
Your baby’s weight may be a factor of how much milk they’re getting, their assigned sex and their activity levels.
Assigned sex at birth: Male babies tend to gain weight slightly faster than female babies.
Daily milk intake: The amount your baby takes in at each feeding plays a role in their weight. Many babies are still breastfeeding or taking bottles of formula 4 to 6 times per day at 7 months.
Activity levels: Your little one is working on bearing more weight in their legs this month in preparation for crawling and walking. Baby’s activity levels may factor into their overall weight, as physical activity helps build strong muscles and bones.
Related: Activities for a 7-month-old: Fostering baby’s development
7-month-old baby length
In month seven, you can expect your baby to grow less rapidly than in previous months, but they’ll still add another ½ inch to ¾ inch (1 to 2 centimeters) in length.
How long is the average 7-month-old?
According to the WHO:
- A 7-month-old baby boy in the 50th percentile is 27 ¼ inches long (67.6 cm)
- A 7-month-old baby girl in the 50th percentile is 26 ½ inches long (65.7 cm)
What factors contribute to a 7-month-old baby’s length?
From physical activity to nutrition, sleep to overall health, your baby’s growth depends on numerous factors. But when it comes to height, the primary factor is usually genetics: kids tend to resemble their parents in height.
Growth charts and percentiles
Growth charts are a way to analyze and assess how your baby has grown over time—and offer a look at how a baby’s weight or length may be compared to that of other babies who are the same age and sex.
At every well-check since birth, your child’s pediatrician has been plotting their weight, length and head circumference on a growth chart (see the examples below).
Wondering how to read a growth chart? For example, let’s say your baby’s weight is in the 50th percentile. That means that 50% of babies of the same age and sex weigh more, and 50% of babies weigh less. But growth percentiles are just one metric used to track your baby’s development—all babies grow at their own pace. Trust that babies can be healthy whether they’re in the 10th percentile or 90th.
Growth spurts
In the first 6 months of life, your bub likely went through several big growth spurts, which you may have been able to pinpoint to times when they were more fussy or especially hungry (cluster feeding is no joke!). In some cases, growth spurts happen relatively quickly (we’re talking just 2 to 3 days), and you might not even have been able to tell.
Because growth slows down a bit between months 6 and 12, you might not see another significant growth spurt until around 9 months and again around their first birthday.
When should I worry about my baby’s growth?
At last month’s 6-month well-check, your baby’s pediatrician would have plotted their growth on the same growth chart they’ve used since birth. A growth curve should now be visible, and the doctor will be checking to make sure your child is exhibiting steady, sustained growth over time. If they’re worried about your baby’s growth, they’ll let you know.
Otherwise, keep focusing on making sure your baby is having regular wet and dirty diapers on a schedule that feels somewhat standard for them, is eating and drinking normally, and is meeting or working toward their 7-month developmental milestones. If you have concerns about your baby’s growth, be sure to bring it up with their pediatrician.
7-month-old baby sleep
Even though your babe is more active and alert during the day, their nap and nighttime sleep schedule should still hold plenty of weight. A 7-month-old baby should get between 12 and 16 hours of sleep per 24 hours, generally divided into at least 10 hours of nighttime sleep and around three naps during the day. If you find they’re not quite getting enough sleep, it’s important to address any underlying factors that may be contributing to this, as sufficient sleep is vital for brain development.
You might start to notice that your little one is able to sleep through the night at this stage, if they haven’t yet. “At 7 months, your child shouldn’t need a night feed as long as they are getting adequate nutrition during the day,” shares Rachel Mitchell, a certified sleep consultant and founder of My Sweet Sleeper. “So if your baby still wakes up looking for a feed, try to allow them to self-soothe or respond with other soothing techniques.”
Babies are eager to move at this age, which means they might start pulling up to stand in their cribs, too. Make sure the crib mattress is on the lowest position so that your little will be safe if they start to stand.
What baby sleep looks like at 7 months:
- Your baby may be taking 3 naps per day
- Your baby may no longer need to eat at night
- Your baby may be awake for 2 to 2.75 hours at a time
Read more: How much sleep does a 7-month-old baby need?
Diapering a 7-month-old
From changes in color and texture to brand new smells, you’re probably noticing some new developments in the diaper department as your little one tries new solid foods. The addition of more fat and fiber will mean your baby’s poop will become more formed. But if it’s pellet-like or really hard, it could be a sign of constipation. Otherwise, you should still expect around 5 to 8 wet diapers per day, and a regular bowel movement schedule of one or more poops per day.
Skipping a day or two usually isn’t cause for concern, but if you’re worried about their stool frequency, a quick check-in with the pediatrician can prevent potential constipation from getting worse.
Caring for a 7-month-old
The next well-check with your child’s pediatrician won’t be until 9 months, but if you have any questions, they’re always just a phone call away. In the meantime, here’s what to know about baths and caring for your bouncing babe.
Baths
Bathtime can become more like playtime once your little one can sit up unassisted (but still somewhat supported in the tub), allowing them to use their hands for more water play and sensory exploration. Bath toys and waterproof books can add to the excitement. You can also now use a gentle baby soap to gently suds up your cutie, though AAP recommends no more than three baths per week in the first year (to avoid drying out baby’s sensitive skin), and they suggest keeping bathtime relatively short—just 10 to 15 minutes.
Car seat safety
Now’s a good time to check in on your little love’s car seat. They should still be riding rear-facing at least until age 2, which is about the time that they’ll reach the highest height and weight requirements allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Know that kids can stay rear-facing even beyond age 3—many families opt to switch to forward-facing too soon, but riding in a rear-facing car seat is the safest option for baby (even if their knees are bent up against the backseat).
Fish out the car seat manual and check the height and weight limits and the LATCH system limits, too, to ensure you’re in good standing. If you need to size up, you can opt for a convertible car seat that will easily transition to forward-facing once they’re a toddler. Some big-box stores offer car seat trade-in days, where you can get a discount on purchasing a new one.
After all the growing they’ve done recently, it may also be time to re-thread the car seat harness straps—they should start at or just above your child’s shoulders.
Related: A parent’s guide to car seat safety: Tips, rules & product picks
Sun protection
Once baby is beyond 6 months of age, they can start wearing baby-safe sunscreen. (Before 6 months, infants are at a greater risk of developing a rash as a side effect of using sunscreen.) Avoid hard-to-control aerosol sunscreen sprays in favor of a standard cream-based sunscreen. Many dermatologists recommend physical or mineral-based formulas for young children, with an SPF of at least 30. (Psst: make application more fun for your mini by using a beauty blender sponge!).
Of course, being smart about sun exposure can go a long way. Babies have delicate skin that is especially susceptible to burns, so keeping them out of the sun for the most part is best practice.
How to keep baby safe in the sun
- Aim to keep baby out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when sun is at its strongest
- Find shade if you do need to be outside during peak sun hours
- Keep baby covered with a sunhat and lightweight clothing (we like options that have UV protection built in)
- Reapply baby-safe sunscreen every couple of hours
- Keep baby hydrated with breast milk or formula
A note from Motherly on self-care while caring for a 7-month-old
Your mini is ready to move—and life can seem a bit busier this month as a result. From rolling over to sitting up to starting to scoot or crawl, encourage their newfound skills by setting up a space for them to safely explore. We bet you’re getting even better at predicting and responding to their needs, mama, but are you able to keep up with your own, too? If you’re barely making it through til bedtime, reach out for more help. Call a family member or friend to come play and supervise your baby while you get some much needed rest or do something just for you. And if you’re finding it hard to find joy in things you used to love, consider getting more mental health support. Postpartum depression can set in anytime in the first year after birth—and help is out there.
Look ahead: 8-month-old baby health & growth guide
Postpartum mental health resources
If you’re experiencing any postpartum mood symptoms, no matter how mild, know that help is available. Reach out to your healthcare provider about next steps and potential treatment options, such as more support at home, therapy or medication. If you’re in crisis, reach out to a crisis hotline or dial 988 or 911 for immediate support.
The phone numbers listed below are available 24/7 to help you with suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises.
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
- Available in English and Spanish and in a completely confidential line.
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (call or text)
- Available in English and Spanish
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or text 988
- Available in English and Spanish
A version of this story was originally published on March 30, 2023. It has been updated.
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