How to Stimulate a 7-Month-Old's Physical Development

By seven months, your baby can probably sit up without using his hands for balance - so now they're available to reach, bang, shake and poke. It's not hard to find a fun way to help him develop his coordination. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Bathtubs
• Spaghetti Noodles
• Rubber Balls

1. Have a tug-of-war with your baby: Give him one end of a scarf, and pull gently on the other end. He'll enjoy a playful lesson in taking turns.
2. Give him several rubber balls to pick up. Now that he's developing the ability to pick up small things, he needs opportunities to practice.
3. Hang a punch ball from the ceiling; your baby will enjoy batting at it and watching it dance about.
4. Play with spaghetti: The slippery, wet noodles will delight him, and picking up the strands is a challenging game.
5. Fill your tub with 2 or 3 inches of water and put him on his back. Let him kick and splash. If he doesn't seem to like the activity, stop right away to avoid having him develop a fear of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your baby be your guide when selecting activities: What new skills is he working on? What sorts of toys engage his attention? What makes him smile?
• If a particular activity seems stressful or frustrating, stop and give it a try another day.
• Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's development.