One Month to Two Months

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Please remember that every child grows and develops at his or her own rate and that no two children are exactly alike at a given age.

Motor Development

• Baby is able to lift head when on stomach and maintain position, but is unable to raise it up far enough to look around
• May also lift head when held up on parents’ shoulders
• When sitting, baby can hold head steady, although it may bob forward
• Hands are often held open, not fisted
• May hold a lightweight object for a few minutes
• On back, baby may swipe at objects held in front of him
• Startles spontaneously (moro reflex)

Mental Development

• May stare at objects for long periods of time - eyes are learning to work together and point in same direction to focus a clear image
• Follows objects with his eyes readily
• Moving objects hold baby’s attention longer than stationary objects
• Visually prefers faces to objects and bold patterns to pictures of objects
• May associate behavior with people (Example: associates Mom with meals)

Language

• Baby differentiates cries (loneliness vs. hunger vs. sleepy vs. wet)
• Very interested in sounds - stops his activity to listen
• Cooing is vowel-like, but unlike mature human sounds

Social Development

• Babies need acceptance and tolerance. Their needs have to be met soon after becoming known - unable to postpone satisfactions
• May begin to return smile (“social smile”)
• Enjoys bath
• May begin to sleep through the night (7-8 hours) by 2 months
• Visually follows a moving person
• Baby is able to show distress, excitement, and delight
• Quiets self by sucking

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