Skills such as taking a first step , smiling for the first time , and waving “ bye bye ” are called developmental milestones . Children reach milestones in how they play , learn , speak , act , and move . Pediatricians encourage parents to track their children ’ s milestones and share them .

Developmental milestones are things most children ( 75 % or more ) can do by a certain age . Take notice of these milestones and tell your pediatrician about them . Not meeting every one of these milestones , alone , is not a diagnosis of developmental differences .

If your child does not meet every one of these general milestones , it is not necessarily an indication of a developmental problem . Formal screening may be performed if your doctor think your child ’ s developmental concerns are significant . The doctor will look for medical reasons , such as hearing impairment or other physical factors .

Paying attention to these milestones allows for early intervention and therapies to help your child progress and thrive .

2 Months - Calms down when spoken to or picked up

2 MONTHS WHAT MOST BABIES DO BY THIS AGE :

Social / Emotional Milestones

• Calms down when spoken to or picked up

• Looks at your face

• Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her

• Smiles when you talk to or smile at her Language / Communication Milestones

• Makes sounds other than crying

• Reacts to loud sounds Cognitive Milestones ( learning , thinking , problem-solving )

• Watches you as you move

• Looks at a toy for several seconds Movement / Physical Development Milestones

• Holds head up when on tummy

• Moves both arms and both legs

• Opens hands briefly

4 Months - Pushes up onton elbows / forearm when on tummy

4 MONTHS WHAT MOST BABIES DO BY THIS AGE :

Social / Emotional Milestones

• Smiles on his own to get your attention

• Chuckles ( not yet a full laugh ) when you try to make him laugh

• Looks at you , moves , or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

Language / Communication Milestones

• Makes sounds like “ oooo ”, “ aahh ” ( cooing )

• Makes sounds back when you talk to him

• Turns head towards the sound of your voice

• Brings hands to mouth

• Pushes up onto elbows / forearms when on tummy

Cognitive Milestones ( learning , thinking , problem-solving )

• Holds head steady without support when you are holding him

• Holds a toy when you put it in his hand

• Uses his arm to swing at toys

OURHEALTHNWA . COM 10 APRIL 2025 | HEALTHY KIDS ISSUE