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’s startle reflex is beginning to vanish.
On stomach, baby may be seen to rock like an airplane with limbs extended and back arched.
On back, may crane neck forward to see his hands catch his feet. He also actively turns his head from side to side, resulting in a temporary “bald spot” from rubbing his head against the sheets.
May be able to turn front to side or to back.
When pulled to a sitting position, baby may no longer have head lag and is able to sit supported for 10-15 minutes with his head erect and steady and his back firm.
Baby is limited to handling large objects, will shake a rattle for long periods of time when placed in his hand.
Brings hands together and pulls on shirt or dress.
Mental Development
May stay awake and alert for an hour or more.
Pulls a dangling object toward himself and carries it to his mouth.
Smiles and vocalizes more to an actual face rather than to an image of one.
Discriminates among faces--knows mother and may resent strangers.
May prefer one toy to another--this shows awareness of something outside himself.
Vision
Now has clear vision at distances--will follow parents’ movements from across the room.
May appear to recognize familiar objects, such as a frequently seen rattle or toy.
May turn toward sound, his eyes will “look” for the sound’s source.
Language Development
Very talkative--coos and gurgles. When you repeat his sounds back to him, the cooing and gurgling increase. Baby enjoys this form of “conversation”.
Laughs out loud--sounds like a “belly laugh”.
Social Development
Shows anticipation--excites and breathes heavily.
Baby may have ability to wait for a feeding--attempts to soothe self.
Interest in eating may decrease due to increased social interest.
Stops nursing or bottle feeding to turn to a sound or to smile at mother.
Baby may anticipate feedings on sights or sounds of bottle preparation.
Baby is interested in mirror image and will smile at himself.
Babbles for pleasure. May vocalize to initiate socialization with caretaker.
May cry when person playing with him leaves.
Splashes in bath--likes to kick feet.
Age Appropriate Toys
Playpen, blanket or sheet on the floor to practice rolling over. Rolling over may serve as his “toy” for this age.
A variety of safe large objects to hold and explore (cube, ball, etc.).
Provide baby with a change of scenery.
Dance with your baby.
Talk with baby and repeat his syllables.
Basically, a loving and caring atmosphere will help your baby grow and develop.
Safety
In addition to suggestions on previous growth and development sheets, baby is able to roll--NEVER leave him on a high surface unattended.
Childproof a larger area of living space as baby can roll around on the floor.
Never leave a child under school age alone in a room with a baby, a responsible person must be present at all times.
