MONTH SEVEN



Your Baby's 27th Week

Displays of frustration at not being able to move around freely should begin to disappear as your little one learns to crawl. While on average babies crawl around six months of age, be aware that it may be weeks or even months before your little explorer is fully mobile. This is very normal and you should not worry at all about her development for that reason.

She’ll likely be pulling herself around using hands and feet with her tummy on the floor, or by getting up on her hands and knees and rocking back and forth without going anywhere. Relish these moments of relative calm. Soon she’ll be moving about at a pace you probably think is impossible.

As you await the first day of crawling, take another moment to consider her safety. For a fun twist, try crawling around yourself. This will offer you the unique ability to observe lurking perils from her angle.

Your Baby's 28th Week

Witness the growth of intelligence as your little Einstein begins to recognize and respond to his own name. Expect continued babbling as he learns he can use his tongue, as well as the shape of his mouth to create and change sounds. Remember too, that some of his loud outbursts may be nothing more than his attempt to see how far he can make his voice heard.

Help him develop the gross motor skills he’ll need for walking, climbing, riding a bike,and playing ball by providing plenty of opportunity. Provide a safe place for play. Vary his position regularly (tummy, back, sitting, etc.) and move to new locations ranging from his crib, to the floor and the outdoors. Provide toys like safe balls and encourage him to roll them back and forth.

Expect him to focus on, and try to pick up, small objects. He’ll be able to rake in and pick up objects as small as a raisin or pebble. He’ll use his whole fist to grasp the tiny object and it’ll surely be destined for his mouth. Watch closely to be sure he picks up only safe items.

Your Baby's 29th Week

You’re probably accustomed to speaking to your little one as a baby. Now, try encouraging primitive language skills. Speak slowly and clearly. Encourage imitation. When she says “ba ba ba” say it back to her in a different tone of voice. Listen as she tries to imitate your inflection.

She may become anxious when you are out of sight. This “separation anxiety” is common during the second half of the first year and even into the early part of the second year. She is still too young to understand that when you leave you do intend to return… even though you always have to date. To her understanding when you leave her line of sight you cease to exist. Help reassure her by speaking to her when you’re close by. She may be reassured by the sound of your voice even when she can’t see you. Although her reaction may tug at your heart strings ,or even be a bit frustrating when you simply must leave her temporarily, rest assured, this too will pass. Help her through this stage by leaving her with trusted adults when you must go to work or go out for the evening. Playing educational games like peek-a-boo will not only entertain, but will help her learn that although an object (in this case you) may disappear, much to her delight, it will soon re-surface.

For your own peace of mind, remember that she’ll likely stop her protests shortly after you leave as she’s distracted by other children at day care, a loving grandmother or other enticing sights in the room.

Your Baby's 30th Week

Now that your little one is sitting unassisted and is most likely able to scoot or crawl about, try engaging him in interactive floor play. While he may not get the hang of it right away, he’ll probably enjoy rolling a ball around and chasing it as it gets away from him. Games like Pat-a-Cake are great for one-on-one time.

His eyes have matured and he’s now able to track objects well from one side of his head all the way to the other. In addition, he can now see across the room and will enjoy looking around at every object he can find. Try blowing some soap bubbles his way and watch as he tries to grab the elusive little objects.

Nursing Moms may experience a bit of discomfort at this time as their little ones discover that they can bite by clamping down their gums (or teeth). Don’t let this deter you from you attempt to continue breastfeeding. He’s not biting to hurt you. He doesn’t yet understand that it hurts. Generally speaking, it isn’t all that difficult to teach him not to bite. Although it is at times impossible, try to remain calm when he bites. Any strong reaction may prompt him to try again just to see what you’ll do. Instead, remain expressionless and tell him “NO” in a harsh tone. Remove your nipple from his mouth, if necessary breaking his suction with your finger. Try to resume nursing a short time later. He’ll quickly learn that if he wants to nurse he is not allowed to bite. Be patient, it may take a couple of interrupted sessions before he understands this cause and effect, but very soon you’ll be enjoying bite-free sessions again.

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