The reflexes they had just after birth start to disappear as
babies this age gain more control over their movements and
interact more with the people and things around them.
What Can My Baby Do?
During the first few months of life, infants start to develop
the skills and the strength they need later for certain
movements, like rolling over. Now, they're lifting their
heads up while on their bellies, and propping themselves up on
their arms, holding their heads up, and looking around.
You also may notice your baby stretching and kicking his or her
legs. This movement strengthens leg muscles, and your infant will
need that strength to roll over, which will probably happen around
4 to 6 months of age. (But be careful: Even very young babies can
roll over on occasion, so it's important to never leave a baby
unattended on a changing table, bed, or other high surface.)
Infants can grasp reflexively from birth, but during the first 3
months of life they'll begin to open and shut their hands and
start moving their hands to their mouths. Your baby may be able to
shake a rattle or a toy that is placed in her or her hands - and
drop it when no longer interested in it.
Vision
will also start to improve as your little one develops the
ability to follow a moving object with his or her eyes
and reach out for nearby objects.
Encouraging Motor Development
Even young infants need to practice their skills. While babies
should never sleep on their stomachs, give your child tummy time
during waking hours. While lying on the belly, your infant can
practice lifting his or her head and strengthening the neck, arm,
and shoulder muscles. Your baby may get fussy and frustrated in
this position, so keep the first sessions of tummy time brief and
gradually lengthen them. It's important to keep an eye on your
baby during tummy time.
Encourage the development of hand-eye coordination by letting
your infant reach for favorite toys while sitting in your lap or by
letting your baby swipe at colorful objects hanging from an infant
gym.
When to Call the Doctor
Babies develop at their own pace, but most make certain
movements by the time they're 3 months old. Talk to your doctor
if your infant isn't making these movements by 3 months:
- opening and closing his or her hands
- grasping or holding objects in the hands
- supporting his or her own head
- lifting the head and chest when lying on his or her
stomach
Normal child development tends to follow a certain pattern. The
skills that babies develop early serve as building blocks for
future skills. Still, the time it takes to develop these
skills can vary widely among kids. If you're concerned about
your baby's development, speak with your doctor.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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