Activities for a 7-month-old baby

Ever since your baby made their grand entrance into the world, you've done everything to give them the best possible environment. And of course, you surround them with your loving, protective care. Play has a central role in your child's development. That's why, throughout their first years of life, you'll adapt the activities accordingly — and this is especially true during that first year, as a baby develops remarkably quickly. In this article, we share a few ideas for activities for a 7-month-old baby.

The beginnings of independence

At this age, your little one will be able to sit up — and what a game-changer that is! Firstly, it completely transforms the view they have of their surroundings. When lying down, their field of vision was rather limited, but in this new position they can turn their head much more easily and become aware of everything around them.

What's more, when sitting up, they no longer need you quite as much — which is why we speak of independence. In context, we're talking about physical independence here. This is the very beginning of that autonomy which will soon allow them to pick up a spoon and feed themselves.

Activities for a 7-month-old baby: interacting with others

There are many games to choose from, but some have a greater impact on your child's development than others. For instance, hiding behind a sheet and reappearing with a "boo!" will go down a treat. You can equally well hide your face behind your hands.

This activity makes little ones laugh enormously — and laughing with others is the very beginning of socialisation. You'll quickly notice that your baby will start hiding too, in order to make you laugh. These playful moments are also the perfect opportunity to introduce them to communication with others.

Teach them simple words like "well done" by clapping your hands, or "bye-bye" by waving, or "I love you" by giving them a cuddle. You'll see how delighted they are to copy all these gestures.

Activities for a 7-month-old baby: developing motor skills

At 7 months, your baby's senses are on full alert. And for good reason — they can now easily grasp objects with their hands. That's a huge milestone! You'll regularly catch them watching their own fingers move. This is the ideal time to stimulate their motor skills with educational toys, as they'll also be particularly drawn to colours.

Try showing them a developmental toy like a multicoloured rainbow stacker. Place it in front of them, but far enough away that they have to move to reach it. If they're on their tummy, they'll roll and crawl on all fours towards their target. Even if this toy is designed for children from one year old, it's perfect for teaching your little one to grasp an object.

You can also place their favourite soft toy or teddy behind an obstacle (such as a pillow). This little obstacle course will work all their muscles and boost their self-confidence.