Remember that all babies are individuals and develop at their own pace. Premature infants, especially, reach many milestones later than their same-age peers. This checklist should be used only to get a general sense for where your baby is or where he is heading. If you have any concerns about your child's development, consult with your physician.

Physical Development

• Cycles arms and legs when on back.
• May remain in seated position for a minute or longer before toppling.
• Tight-fisted grip loosens.
• May hold object placed into hands for few moments--and try to eat it.
• May swipe at items in front of him.
• On stomach, lifts and holds head 45 degrees.
• Turns and otherwise responds to sound.
• May sleep four to seven hours a night, with two or three daytime naps.
• Patterns of sleep, waking, feeding, crying may still be varied and disorganized.
• Moves bowels often (3 to 4 times daily).
• Stares at objects that are 12-24" away, begins to coordinate eye movements.

Intellectual Development

• Differentiates between mother, father, and strangers.
• Reacts to sounds, either by crying, startling, or quieting.
• Stares indefinitely at surroundings, especially large moving objects.
• Anticipates familiar activities.
• Shows great regard for his own hand.
• Prefers looking at patterns and representations of a human face.
• Begins to expect feeding at certain intervals.

Social And Emotional Development

• Tries to focus on face or voice.
• Stays awake longer if people interact with him.
• Quiets when held or spoken to.
• May smile when smiled at.

Language Development

• Coos.
• Vocalizes when talked to.