Developmental Milestones: Birth to 6 Months

Monika Pis, PhD, CPNP

Babies develop at all different rates but here's what to look for from newborn to 6 months of age.

Newborn to 2 months
The first two months of your baby’s life is a time of adjustment into her new environment. She will learn new sounds and become comfortable with her surroundings. This period is also the time for new parents to get to know their newborn.

From the very first days, your newborn knows how to communicate with her bodily movements, facial expressions, and sounds. Observe and listen to her carefully and in a very short time, you’ll be able to distinguish a hungry, tired or bored cry. Also, you’ll know when your baby needs a break from what she is doing because she will look away, arch her back, frown, or cry.

In the first two months of life, mutual gaze is a powerful form of socialization. Let you baby watch your face and exchange looks. Show your infant a colorful toy and slowly move it from side to side, allowing her gaze to follow the toy. Interaction with your baby will strengthen your bond, as well as help strengthen the eye muscles. 

Studies show that reading to you infant from a very young age allows for early acquisition of language skills. Therefore, spend a few minutes every day reading to your baby. You can also talk to her about your day and even sing--it makes for good family time and above all, your baby will love to listen to your voice!·

Milestones you should look for:

1-2 weeks:
- Responds to noise
- Looks at your face
- Tries to lift head when placed on the belly

2 months:
- Responds to noise
- Makes baby sounds
- Smiles back at you
- Follows people with her eyes
- Holds head up 45 degrees when placed on the belly

Things to do to enhance your baby's development:
- Read daily to your baby
- Observe to learn your baby's needs
- Respond to cries. It teaches your baby trust and that she is loved.

Age 2-6 months

Infants between 2 and 6 months of age are very interactive. They love to imitate anything that helps them learn new skills. For example, if mom sticks her tongue out, baby will usually do the same. This game teaches the infant the art of communication. Babies this age love to discover their voices, so you may hear your baby coo or babble frequently. As she coos and babbles, talk and babble back to her, as if you both understand each other very well. This exercise also teaches your baby how to communicate and, at the same time, lays groundwork for developing extensive vocabulary later on. 

At about 3-4 months of age, babies start to laugh out loud, they can sit with support, and grasp a rattle. Soon, at about 6 months of age, they’ll be reaching out for objects. Since infants learn by looking at, holding, and putting objects into their mouths, keep all small objects out of your baby’s reach. It’s good to remember the toilet paper roll rule: objects that can fit through a toilet paper tube, including plastic bags and deflated balloons, are too small for children younger than 3 years.

Closer to 5-6 months, babies start to have a better control over their bodies. They will be able to roll over, pull up to sit without a head lag, and transfer objects from hand to hand.

Milestones to you should look for:

4 months:
- Rolls over
- Sits with support (keeps head steady)
- Grasps a rattleLaughs out loud
- Holds head up 90 degrees when placed on the belly
- Looks around 180 degrees

6 months:
- Reaches for objects
- Transfers objects form hand to hand
- Bears weight on legs when standing up with support

Things to do to enhance your baby’s development:
- Talk and babble with your baby back and forth
- Read daily
- Lay baby on back and hold brightly colored toy over her chest to promote reaching
- Introduce one toy at the time to allow for exploration