Health Encyclopedia

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:

Closure of posterior fontanelle (soft spot at the back of the head)
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
Crying becomes differentiated (different cries means different things)
Head turns from side to side with sound at the level of the ear
Smiles
Vocal response to familiar voices

Play recommendations:

Expose the baby to sounds outside those of the home
Take the baby for rides in the car
The room should be bright with pictures and mirrors
Toys and objects should be bright colors

References

Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 8.

Review Date:2/27/2009
Reviewed By:Jennifer K. Mannheim, CPNP, private practice, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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