Babies develop at their own pace, so it's impossible to tell exactly when your child will learn a given skill. The developmental milestones listed below will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect, but don't be alarmed if your own baby's development takes a slightly different course.
Social and Emotional
Begins to develop a social smile
Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops
Becomes more expressive and communicates more with face and body
Imitates some movements and facial expressions
Movement
Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach
Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back
Opens and shuts hands
Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
Brings hand to mouth
Takes swipes at dangling objects with hands
Grasps and shakes hand toys
Vision
Watches faces intently
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Hearing and Speech
Smiles at the sound of your voice
Begins to babble
Begins to imitate some sounds
Turns head toward direction of sound
Developmental Health Watch
Alert your child's doctor or nurse if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range. Does not seem to respond to loud noises
Does not notice hands by 2 months
Does not follow moving objects with eyes by 2 to 3 months
Does not grasp and hold objects by 3 months
Does not smile at people by 3 months
Cannot support head well by 3 months
Does not reach for and grasp toys by 3 to 4 months
Does not babble by 3 to 4 months
Does not bring objects to mouth by 4 months
Begins babbling, but does not try to imitate any of your sounds by 4 months
Does not push down with legs when feet are placed on a firm surface by 4 months
Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
Crosses eyes most of the time (occasional crossing of the eyes is normal in these first months)
Does not pay attention to new faces, or seems very frightened by new faces or surroundings
Experiences a dramatic loss of skills he or she once
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,CDC Act Early Informational Material,From CARING FOR OUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH TO AGE 5 by Steven Shelov, Robert E. Hannermann, � 1991, 1993, 1998, 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
