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.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Child development.  Positive parenting tips: infants (0-1 years). www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/infants.html. Updated May 16, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2024.

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.