How to Stimulate a 7-Month-Old's Senses

At seven months, your baby is increasingly interested in visual details, such as the patterns on his crib sheets. He's also becoming interested in the relationship between two objects, which he might show by examining two blocks and then banging them together. Happy playing! (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")

Things You'll Need

• Baby Blankets
• Squeaky Toys For A Baby
• Unbreakable Mirror For A Baby
• Children's Board Books
• Music
• Infant Soft Dolls
• Pop-up Toys
• Stuffed Animals

Instructions

1. Start reading to your baby: Choose books with sturdy pages and vivid pictures. As you turn the pages, name each picture and talk about it. End the activity before he gets squirmy.

2. Experiment with music: Play different kinds and watch your baby. Does he move to music with a strong beat, and relax and get sleepy with slower songs?

3. Help your baby explore mirror images. Show him a rag doll and then encourage him to look at the doll in the mirror. Watch to see if he looks back and forth between the real doll and its image.

4. Find toys that respond to your baby's manipulations, such as busy boxes, squeak toys, pull toys and pop-up toys.

5. Attach a ribbon to the head of a small rag doll or stuffed animal. Show him how to hold the toy by the ribbon and make the toy dance.

6. Hide one of his squeak toys under a blanket while he's watching you and then let him try to find it. He's beginning to understand that an object exists, even if he can't see it.

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.