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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:

  • 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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