Your Baby's Growth: 7 Months

Babies this age continue to grow — in size, physical skills, and their ability to interact with the world. Much of what they learn will come in handy for eating solid food. Breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue as the main source of nourishment. But help your baby explore new tastes and textures.

As long as your baby keeps growing steadily, eating habits shouldn't be a cause for concern.

How Much Will My Baby Grow?

Babies continue to gain about 1 to 1¼ pounds (450 to 560 grams) and ½ inch to ¾ inch (1 to 2 centimeters) in length this month.

Since your child's birth, the doctor has recorded growth in weight, length, and head size (circumference) at regular well-baby visits. The doctor puts these numbers on a growth chart. Ask your doctor to show you your baby's growth record. By now, you should begin to see a personal growth curve. Expect your child to continue growing along this curve.

Should I Be Concerned?

Is my baby big enough? Is my child going to be tall or short? Parents often worry about growth and may compare a baby with siblings and peers. It's important to remember that kids come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Growth depends on many things, including:

• genes passed on by the parents (kids tend to resemble their parents in height)
• the amount and quality of food a child eats
• overall health
• how well the hormones that affect growth work

The growth chart can help the doctor see whether your child is growing as expected.

If you're concerned about your baby's weight or growth, talk with your doctor, who might ask:

• How many feedings a day does your baby get?
• How much does your baby eat at each feeding?
• If breastfed, how long does your baby nurse at each feeding?
• What else are you feeding your baby?
• How often does your baby poop? What do the BMs look like?
• How often does your baby pee?

The doctor also may ask about your baby's health and development. These things together help the doctor decide if your baby is growing at a healthy rate. The doctor might recommend tests if there are signs of a problem.

Premature babies may still be behind in size compared with full-term babies their age. But they should also be growing steadily at their own rate.

What About a Baby Who Gains Weight Fast?

Parents may wonder: Can babies gain too much weight? But only a few babies and toddlers are overweight. In those cases, advice from the baby's doctor can help.

Never skip feedings. But do watch for signs from your baby that he or she is full. Make sure your baby's calories come from nutritious sources — like fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. Breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nourishment in the first year of life.

Make sure your baby is active. For a baby this age, that means plenty of time to move around in a safe space. Get down on the rug with your baby and encourage physical activity. Limit the amount of time spent in car seats, strollers, and playpens.

What's Next?

Your baby's rapid growth will slow down as the first birthday approaches. But expect big changes in the coming months as your little one becomes more mobile.