Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Suzanne Wylie
If you're wondering what your 7-week-old baby's development will look like this week, you'll be pleased to know that they'll now start to slowly interact more with the world around them.
As you near the two-month mark, we’re here to answer all the questions you have about your 7-week-old baby’s week-by-week development and introduce you to those exciting baby milestones you can look forward to.
We spoke to research psychologist and child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer who has all the expert advice you need at this stage of your baby's first year as well as Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor to answer all your baby health questions.
7-week-old baby development
If you've been wondering when do babies smile, you're not far off! Dr Amanda Gummer says: "at seven weeks old, baby may start to show signs of social engagement such as smiling responsively and making more eye contact."
"While they may not have head control, they may be showing improved neck strength and attempting to lift their head during tummy time."
If you’ve noticed your baby is fussier at 7 weeks, they may be struggling with colic - repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying, for at least three hours a day - try not to worry. Remember this is normal and will settle down eventually.
Interact with your baby
Dr Amanda says that interacting is important, whether it's through "gentle touch, soothing sounds or facial expressions."
She adds: "Responding to their coos and gurgles helps strengthen the parent-child bond and talking to them during everyday activities encourages cognitive development."
Dr Wylie agrees, "Interacting with a 7-week-old involves talking, singing, making eye contact, and using different facial expressions. Gentle massage, reading, and playing with high-contrast toys support development."
Use sensory toys or play simple games
With their eyes now able to focus more and as their memory begins to improve, you could introduce baby sensory toys. Dr Wylie recommends black-and-white books, rattles, soft sensory toys, and activity mats.
Since they’ve started reaching out and their hands are likely always open too, it’s a good time to play with different styles of toys – both hard and soft, and move them from side to side in front of their face to encourage better focus.
Dr Amanda also recommends playing games such as a peek-a-boo.
Introduce tummy time
If they haven’t started to lift their head up when they’re on their tummy, now is the time to start encouraging it by introducing some tummy time. Lay on the floor in front of them so they have something to look up at - this will help strengthen their neck muscles.
"Tummy time is crucial for muscle development." Explains Dr Wylie. "Start with short sessions (a few minutes) a few times a day, placing the baby on their front while supervised. Using a rolled towel under their chest or lying them on a parent’s chest can make it more comfortable." She suggests.
7-week-old baby's growth
Since entering the world, your baby has likely gained between four and eight ounces each week. On average, baby's at 7 weeks old weigh between 4 and 6.5 kilograms depending on their sex.
• Boys: 4.5–6.5 kg
• Girls: 4.0–6.0 kg
Don’t worry if they've gained more or less than that though, as every baby is different. "At seven weeks old, a baby’s weight varies, but on average, boys weigh between 4.5–6.5 kg (10–14 lbs), and girls weigh 4.0–6.0 kg (9–13 lbs). However, growth follows an individual pattern, so regular weight checks with a health visitor are recommended." Advises Dr Wylie.
Between six weeks and eight weeks old, your baby will have a physical examination, usually done by the a GP. This should have shown if your baby is a healthy weight or not, and your GP or health visitor should have offered you advice if your little one is falling behind on the growth charts.
Dr Amanda Gummer says: "at seven weeks old, baby's growth is primarily focussed on gaining weight steadily and developing gross motor skills. They may start to exhibit more purposeful movement such as reaching for objects or bringing their hands to their mouth."
7-week-old baby sleep
According to Dr Wylie, "Newborns at this stage typically sleep 14–17 hours in a 24-hour period. Sleep is still irregular, but many babies develop a pattern of short daytime naps (30 minutes to 2 hours) and longer night-time stretches with frequent wake-ups for feeds."
You should start to notice your baby’s daytime naps are becoming longer but less frequent. Where before they might take four to eight naps a day, now they’re edging towards a maximum of four. This will hopefully mean more sleep for you at night, as your baby's average of 8-13 hours will be less interrupted than a few weeks ago. A 7-week-old's sleep schedule should look a little something like the below:
• Average total amount of sleep: 14 - 17 hours per 24 hours
• Average wake window time: 30 - 90 mins
• Average breastfeeding sessions over 24 hours: 10-12
• Average bottle feeding sessions over 24 hours: 8
Over the course of the day, the above will look a little like wake, feed, play, sleep, repeat. At night, this should be around 9 to 12 hours with some wake periods for feeds. Remember, every child is different so this can vary from baby to baby, so try not to worry if your baby is still sleeping a lot at 7 weeks.
7-week-old baby food
Whether it's with breast milk or formula, you will have noticed your baby feeding more and more over the past couple of weeks as your baby grows faster. You may be wondering how much milk should a 7 week old drink, and the average tends to be 3–4 ounces of breast milk or formula every 2–3 hours or each feeding session.
"Breastfed babies may feed 8–12 times per day, as breast milk digests quickly." Says Dr Wylie. "Formula-fed babies typically take 120–150 ml per feed, around 6–8 times per day."
Your six-week check-up should have revealed your baby's weight, and a good guideline is to feed them 150ml-200ml per kilo of that weight. It also depends on how much they want to take themselves, as babies understand pretty well how much they should eat and when to stop.
7-week-old baby health
You may have already had your baby's six-week check although sometimes this can fall at seven weeks old and eight weeks old. Here, the healthcare professional will check over your baby physically and do a few tests. This is also a great chance to share any worries you might have.
When it comes to jabs, you’re a week early! Babies don’t usually need their jabs until the two-month mark, but if you want to prepare yourself for those 8 week vaccinations, you can go in feeling a bit more confident.
Remember, if you're concerned about your baby in any way, don't be afraid to reach out to a professional.
How much should a 7-week-old baby be pooing?
Your growing baby has been feeding a lot more, which means more nappy changes for you. A lot of parents worry their baby is pooing too much or too little, but between one and ten times a day with at least six wet nappies is normal. "Bowel movements vary;" explains Dr Wylie. "Some babies pass stools several times a day, while others may go once every few days. Breastfed babies often have more frequent, softer stools, whereas formula-fed babies have firmer, less frequent stools."
If you’re worried your baby is constipated, that they've had three or less bowel movements in a week or that they're often uncomfortable when trying to fill their nappy, it’s worth checking everything is ok with your GP. You’re probably starting to distinguish between the different nappies by now, but our baby poo colour chart might come in handy if it hasn’t already.
Things to think about this week
Crying: With all this new growing and learning, your baby may be somewhat uncomfortable and tired during this week and begin to cry more. "Crying is normal and may be due to hunger, tiredness, discomfort, wind, overstimulation, or needing comfort. Colic can also be a factor, peaking around this age." Dr Wylie advises. You may want to try using a baby sling or wrap in the day to keep your baby close, as this can reduce the crying.
Early teething: It seems impossible, right? Wrong! It is rare, but some babies start teething as early as seven weeks which may explain the seemingly reasonless crying. "Teething is rare at 7 weeks but possible. If a baby is dribbling more, chewing on fists, and irritable, early teething could be a cause." Suggest Dr Wylie. You may want to apply a teething gel to their gums to help the pain, but take a trip to the doctor first to check out that it’s definitely early teething - they can recommend some safe gels for a seven-week-old.
Starting to grab onto objects: Your little one is starting to focus more and has realised their arms can move around. With their tiny fists starting to open more, they’re also realising they can grab onto things. This means one thing, watch those dangly earrings as they’re about to be tugged! It’s great to see your baby interacting more with the world, and it’s a good time to start encouraging them to touch and hold different objects.
Introduce toys: At this stage you might be wondering what to do with a 7-week old baby all day, but with their mind more alert during the day, you can start using those developmental toys you stockpiled during your pregnancy. Encourage playtime and chat to them even when they are quiet - their little minds are growing and learning every minute, so it’s great to keep them engaged while they’re showing more interest in life. Of course, don’t overstimulate them, if they begin to cry you’ll know they’re just after some peace and quiet – it can be pretty overwhelming trying to take everything in!
Catching colds: If your 7 week old baby has a cold, it's important to consult your doctor as early as possible. This is to rule out anything more serious than a common cold is present and is particularly important if your baby has a fever.
Postnatal Depression: Within the first year of your baby’s life, you’re at greater risk of postnatal depression. You may feel overwhelmed by guilt and feelings of failure, or that everything could go wrong and it’s all your fault. If these feelings are starting to worry you, take a trip to the doctor and ask for some help. With one in ten women experiencing postnatal depression, it’s important to talk to someone.
About the expert
Dr Amanda Gummer is the MD and Founder of FUNdamentally Children and Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide. She is a research psychologist and author, who promotes the value of play and positive parenting in child development.
Dr Suzanne Wylie is a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor.
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.