Between 1 and 4 months of age, your baby will undergo a dramatic transformation from a totally dependent newborn to an active and responsive infant.
During this time, many newborn reflexes fade as your baby gains more control over their body. You may notice them staring at their hands and watching how they move. They also become more interested in the world around them, especially the people they know best. Your baby will often smile when they see or hear you.
By the second or third month, they may start "talking" back with soft coos and gurgles. With each new skill, you'll begin to see more of your baby's unique personality.
Here are some other typical milestones you can look for in babies this age.
Movement milestones
At 2 months
At 4 months
Holds head steady without support when you are holding them
Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
Uses their arms to swing at toys
Brings hands to mouth
Pushes up on elbows/forearms when on tummy (See "Tummy to Play, Back to Sleep.")
Visual and hearing milestones
At 2 months
At 4 months
Visual range has increased to several yards or more.
May be more interested in circular patterns (bull's-eyes, spirals), one of the reasons faces, full of circles and curves, are so appealing to them.
Responds to the full range of colors and their many shades. As their eyesight develops, they will naturally seek out more stimulating things to see.
Language/communication milestones
At 2 months
At 4 months
Makes sounds like "oooo," "aahh" (cooing)
Makes sounds back when you talk to them
Turns head toward the sound of your voice
Social/emotional & cognitive milestones
At 2 months
Calms down when spoken to or picked up
Looks at your face
Seems happy to see you when you walk up to them
Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
At 4 months
Smiles on their own to get your attention
Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh
Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
Looks at their hands with interest
Appropriate toys & activities
At 2 months
Images or books with high-contrast patterns
Bright, varied hanging mobile
Rattles (sturdy enough not to break)
Singing to your baby
Inviting older siblings to play with the baby. (Set clear and consistent rules, such as never picking up the baby without permission.)
Playing soft music on low volume
Appropriate chewable toys for oral stimulation between feedings to foster oral sensing
At 4 months
See-through rattles that show the pieces making noise
Cloth books with colorful pictures
Unbreakable plastic or mylar mirror
Soft balls, including some that make soft, pleasant sounds
Textured toys that make sounds
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