Seven months ago, you arrived home with a weird little house guest and set out trying to keep it alive. By the half-year mark, you were probably starting to feel a little confident?cocky even. You figured out the most practical stuff and even understood a fair amount of what the little critter wanted, despite the fact that it came with no owner?s manual. But now it?s all changing again, with a crawling (or soon-to-be!), babbling little creature who is no longer content to lay sleepily in your arms or focus on your boob while it drinks. And dammit, it may even be starting to bite. Welcome to the second half of the first year.
7-month-old development & milestones
Finger foods
If your baby has a month?or three?of solids under their belt, they will probably be reducing their intake of breastmilk or formula and be more determined to feed themselves. If they aren?t enthusiastic about solids yet, it?s time to push a bit because they will find it easier to accept new foods, tastes and textures now than later in the first year. If they don?t like purées, offer soft finger foods, such as cheese, parboiled or grated veggies and soft baby crackers or breads, as well as chunks of ripe banana, avocado and scrambled eggs.
Biting and breastfeeding
It?s a painful truth that many babies, particularly those with new teeth, bite the boob that feeds them?but often only once. After months of blissful (or boring) breastfeeding, your baby will clamp down out of nowher...