Are you a new or expecting parent? Many parents wonder what is normal for their newborn when it comes to developmental milestones. Throughout the week we will post a list of developmental milestones submitted by Deborah Winders Davis, Ph.D., professor of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville.
If you are concerned about your child reaching certain developmental milestones, please make sure to discuss any issues with your child’s pediatrician. If you need a pediatrician, click here to learn more about UofL Pediatrics.
Movement
Raises head and cheek when lying on stomach (3 months)
Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach (3 months)
Stretches legs out when lying on stomach or back (2-3 months)
Opens and shuts hands (2-3 months)
Pushes down on his legs when his feet are placed on firm surface (3 months)
Visual
Watches face intently (2-3 months)
Follows moving objects (2 months)
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance (3 months)
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination (3 months)
Hearing and Speech
Smiles at the sound of voice (2-3 months)
Cooing noises; vocal play (begins at 3 months)
Attends to sound (1-3 months)
Startles to loud noise (1-3 months)
Social/Emotional
Begins to develop a social smile (1-3 months)
Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops (2-3 months)
Becomes more communicative and expressive with face and body (2-3 months)
Imitates some movements and facial expressions
Developmental red flags
Doesn’t seem to respond to loud noises
Doesn’t follow moving objects with eyes by 2 to 3 months
Doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice by 2 months
Doesn’t grasp and hold objects by 3 months
Doesn’t smile at people by 3 months
Cannot support head well at 3 months
Doesn’t reach for and grasp toys by 3 to 4 months
Doesn’t bring objects to mouth by 4 months
Doesn’t 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)
To read part two, developmental milestones for 4 to 7 months, click here. To read part three, developmental milestones for 8-12 months, click here.
