Weight Gain: Around 150-200 grams per week.

Height: Grows about 2.5-3.5 cm per month.

Average Measurements for Indian Babies:
 

Key Milestones:

Motor Development:

• Sitting Independently: Many babies can sit independently for several minutes, using their hands to balance.
• Reaching and Grasping: Your baby is becoming more precise in their ability to reach for and pick up objects.
• Rocking or Crawling: Some babies may start crawling or rocking back and forth on their hands and knees. This signals the early stages of crawling.
• Rolling Over: Your baby may roll from tummy to back or back to tummy, gaining more mobility.

Cognitive Development:

• Explores with Hands and Mouth: Your baby begins to explore objects more actively by touching and putting them in their mouth.
• Improved Memory: They may recognise familiar objects and people, and can remember where things are placed for short periods.

Communication and Language Development:

• Babbling: Expect more varied babbling with consonant-vowel combinations like "ma-ma" or "ba-ba." Some babies may begin mimicking simple sounds.
• Responding to Name: Your baby may start responding to their name and other familiar sounds.
• Understanding Tone: Babies can now distinguish between different tones of voice and may react to happy or stern voices.

Social and Emotional Development:

• Stranger Anxiety: Your baby may become more wary of unfamiliar people and show a preference for familiar faces.
• Enjoying Social Play: They enjoy more interactive play, such as clapping hands or playing peek-a-boo, and they will make eye contact during interactions.
• More Emotional Expression: Your baby will display a broader range of emotions, such as excitement, frustration, and joy, through facial expressions and vocalisations.
• Interest in Mirrors: They may show fascination with their reflection in a mirror.

Breastfeeding:

• Continue breastfeeding as often as your baby desires to ensure adequate nutrition.
• Maintain a proper latch for efficient feeding.

Bottle Feeding:

• If bottle-feeding, use slow-flow nipples and feed every 3-4 hours.
• Hold your baby in an upright position during feeding to prevent choking.

Solid Food Introduction:

• Most babies are eating solid foods like pureed fruits, vegetables, and cereals. You can gradually introduce mashed or finely chopped foods.
• Continue offering 1-2 tablespoons of solids once or twice a day, increasing the quantity as your baby adjusts.

Milk Supply in the Seventh Month

Breastfeeding Mothers:

1. Your milk supply continues to meet your baby’s nutritional needs even as they consume more solids. Nurse frequently to maintain supply.
2. Expect occasional increases in nursing frequency during developmental leaps or growth spurts to support your baby's needs.
3. Prioritise a nutrient-rich diet and stay hydrated to ensure adequate milk production as your body adjusts to your baby's evolving feeding patterns.

Formula Feeding:

1. As solids become a bigger part of their diet, your baby may need slightly less formula. Consult your paediatrician for guidance on portion adjustments.
2. Offer formula alongside solid meals to ensure your baby gets the right balance of nutrients. Gradually transition to three solid meals while maintaining formula feeds.
3. Always prepare formula according to manufacturer instructions to meet safety and nutritional standards.

Solid Foods

• Gradually introduce new textures like mashed or finely chopped foods, ensuring they are soft and easy to swallow.
• Incorporate iron-rich foods like lentils, pureed meats, or fortified cereals to complement breast milk or formula.
• Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues, offering solids 2-3 times a day in addition to breast milk or formula.

Age: 7-8 months
What: Breast milk 
How much: Nurse every 4 hours
How often: Feed 5-6 times a day.

Age: 7-8 months
What: Formula
How much: About three fourth to one cup (6-8 ounces)
How often: Feed 4-6 times a day.

Age: 7-8 months
What: Solid Foods
How much: 2-3 tablespoons
How often: Offer pureed or mashed food 4-6 times a day. 

Signs Your Baby is Hungry:

Rooting: Turning their head when touched on the cheek.
Sucking: Sucking on their hands or fingers.
Increased Alertness: Becoming more active or fussy when feeding time approaches.

Signs Your Baby is Full:

Relaxed Body: Hands unclench and body appears calm.
Slower Sucking: Your baby may reduce the frequency of sucking or stop completely.
Turning Away: Turning their head or pushing away the bottle or breast.

Sleep Patterns in the Seventh Month

• Total Sleep: Babies typically sleep 13-15 hours daily, including naps and nighttime sleep.
• Daytime Naps: 2-3 naps daily, lasting 1-2 hours each.
• Nighttime Sleep: Some babies may sleep for 6-8 hour stretches, though some may still wake for feeds.
• Establish a Bedtime Routine: Signal sleep time with a calming routine, such as a warm bath or a soft lullaby.
• Safe Sleep Practices: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm mattress and avoid soft bedding or toys in the crib to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Baby Vaccine Schedule

Ensure your baby receives the appropriate vaccines according to the paediatric schedule. At seven months, some babies may receive their second doses of vaccines like DTP, Hib, IPV, and Hepatitis B.

Newborn Baby Essentials

• Toys for Development: Provide toys that encourage reaching, grasping, and exploring, such as rattles or softballs, to promote motor skills.
• Moisturisers: Use baby-safe moisturisers to keep your baby’s skin hydrated.
• Diapering: Keep your baby in a clean, dry diaper to prevent rashes as they become more active.
• Diapering Supplies: Keep plenty of diapers, wipes, and rash cream on hand to ensure your baby stays comfortable.

Baby Bath

• Bathe your baby 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free baby soap to cleanse their skin.
• Pat your baby dry with a soft towel after the bath instead of scrubbing.
• Keep their face and folds clean daily.