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Developmental milestones record - 2 months

Definition

This article describes the skills and growth targets of 2-month-old infants.

Alternative Names

Normal childhood growth milestones - 2 months; Childhood growth milestones - 2 months; Growth milestones for children - 2 months

Information

Physical and motor-skill markers:

  • Closing of soft spot at the back of the head (posterior fontanelle)
  • Several newborn reflexes, such as the stepping reflex (baby appears to dance or step when placed upright on solid surface) and grasp reflex (grasping a finger), disappear
  • Less head lag (head is less wobbly on the neck)
  • When on stomach, able to lift head almost 45 degrees
  • Less flexing of the arms and legs while lying on the stomach

Sensory and cognitive markers:

  • Beginning to look at close objects.
  • Coos.
  • Different cries mean different things.
  • Head turns from side to side with sound at the level of the ear.
  • Smiles.
  • Responds to familiar voices.
  • Healthy babies can cry up to 3 hours per day. If you are worried that your baby cries too much, talk to your health care provider.

Play recommendations:

  • Expose your baby to sounds outside those of the home.
  • Take your baby for rides in the car or walks in the neighborhood.
  • The room should be bright with pictures and mirrors.
  • Toys and objects should be bright colors.
  • Read to your baby.
  • Talk to your baby about objects and people in their environment.
  • Hold and comfort your baby if they are upset or crying. DO NOT worry about spoiling your 2-month-old.

Gallery

Skull of a newborn
The sutures or anatomical lines where the bony plates of the skull join together can be easily felt in the newborn infant. The diamond shaped space on the top of the skull and the smaller space further to the back are often referred to as the soft spot in young infants.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Infants (0-1 year of age). www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html. Updated February 22, 2021. Accessed April 6, 2021.

Onigbanjo MT, Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.

Last reviewed February 2, 2021 by Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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