Baby’s Early Development: From Reflexes to Control
The reflexes your baby was born with are starting to fade as they gain more control over their movements and begin to engage with the world around them.
What Can My Baby Do?
In the early weeks, newborns struggle to lift their heads. However, as their neck and upper body strength improve, they’ll gradually be able to lift their heads while lying on their bellies and eventually prop themselves up on their arms. Once they achieve this, you’ll notice them holding their heads up and looking around, taking in their surroundings.
You may also observe your baby stretching and kicking their legs. These movements help to strengthen their leg muscles, preparing them for rolling over, which typically happens by around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to be cautious— even very young babies can occasionally roll over unexpectedly, so never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or other elevated surface.
From birth, infants have a reflexive grasp, but within the first three months, they begin to open and close their hands intentionally. You’ll notice them starting to move their hands to their mouths and possibly holding onto a rattle or toy placed in their hands, though they may drop it when they lose interest.
Your baby’s vision is also improving, and they will begin to track moving objects with their eyes. Watch as they attempt to use their arms to bat at toys, developing their hand-eye coordination.
How Can I Encourage My Baby?
Babies need plenty of opportunities to practice their developing skills. While it’s crucial to always place your baby on their back to sleep, you can support their development by giving them supervised tummy time during their waking hours. This practice helps your baby strengthen their neck, arm, and shoulder muscles by encouraging them to lift their head.
If your baby becomes fussy or frustrated during tummy time, start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable. Always stay with your baby during tummy time to ensure their safety.
To promote hand-eye coordination, let your baby reach for favorite toys while sitting on your lap or place them under an infant gym where they can bat at toys hanging above them.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Child development generally follows a certain pattern, with early skills serving as the foundation for later abilities. However, the timing of these developments can vary widely among babies.
It’s important to contact your doctor if your baby isn’t meeting certain milestones:
- By 2 months:
- Unable to hold their head up while lying on their tummy.
- Not opening their hands.
- By 4 months:
- Not grasping or holding objects placed in their hands.
- Unable to keep their head steady while being held.
- Not lifting their head or pushing up onto their elbows/forearms during tummy time.
Missing individual milestones doesn’t always indicate a problem, but it’s important to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your baby’s development with your doctor.