Developmental milestones record - 2 months

Definition

This article describes the skills and growth targets of 2-month-old infants.

Alternative Names

Normal childhood growth milestones - 2 months; Childhood growth milestones - 2 months; Growth milestones for children - 2 months

Information

Physical and motor-skill markers:

• Closure of posterior fontanelle (soft spot at the back of the head)
• Several newborn reflexes, such as the stepping reflex (baby appears to dance or step when placed upright on solid surface) and grasp reflex (grasping a finger), disappear
• Less head lag (head is less wobbly on the neck)
• When on stomach, able to lift head almost 45 degrees
• Less flexing of the arms and legs while lying on the stomach

Sensory and cognitive markers:

• Beginning to look at close objects
• Coos
• Crying becomes differentiated (different cries means different things)
• Head turns from side to side with sound at the level of the ear
• Smiles
• Vocal response to familiar voices

Play recommendations:

• Expose the baby to sounds outside those of the home
• Take the baby for rides in the car
• The room should be bright with pictures and mirrors
• Toys and objects should be bright colors

References

Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 8.