Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Here's what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 2 and 4 months.

Daily Activities

• Crying gradually becomes less frequent.
• Displays greater variety of emotions: distress, excitement, delight.
• May begin to sleep through the night.
• Smiles, gurgles and coos, particularly when talked to.
• Shows more distress when an adult leaves.
• Quiets down when held or talked to.
• Cannot conceive of an object existing if it cannot be sensed.

Vision

• Focuses better, but still no more than 12 inches.
• Follows objects by moving head from side to side.
• Prefers brightly colored objects.

Hearing

• Knows difference between male and female voices.
• Knows the difference between angry and friendly voices.

Motor Skills

• Movements become increasingly smoother.
• Lifts chest momentarily when lying on tummy.
• Holds head steady when held or seated with support.
• Discovers hands and fingers.
• Grasps with more control.
• May bat at dangling objects with entire body.

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.