Stages of Infant Development: Watch the Wonders Unfold

Stages of infant development

Infant development at one month: Infants learn to recognize their bodies
Most infants can raise their heads on their own, respond to a variety of sounds, move their heads from side to side while lying on their bellies, stare at faces and see in black and white. Some infants can follow objects and make sounds such as ooo and aah. Few infants can smile, laugh, or hold their heads up at a 45 degree angle.

Infant development at two months: Infants develop their sense of hearing and sight and open up to their surroundings
Most infants can make babbling and cooing sounds, follow objects and hold their heads up for short periods of time. Some infants can laugh and smile of their own volition, hold their heads up at a 45 degree angle and make smoother body movements. Few infants can hold their heads stably, bear weight on their legs, or lift their heads and shoulders for short periods of time.

Infant development at three months: Infants continue to develop control over their bodies and get to know their surroundings
Most infants can willfully smile and laugh, hold their heads stably and identify the faces and scents of family members. Some infants can make various sounds, identify their relatives according to scent and slightly raise their heads and shoulders. Few infants can turn their bodies towards loud noises, bring their hands towards each other, strike at toys, or even roll from side to side.

Infant development at four months: Infants work their shoulder muscles and communicate with their surroundings
Most infants can stably hold their heads high, raise their heads and shoulders, bear weight on their legs and make sounds when spoken to. Some infants can grab toys with their hands, extend their hands to various objects and roll over from side to side. Few infants can mimic simple speech sounds, move their bodies towards interesting objects and experience teething.

Infant development at five months: Infants improve upon their physical capabilities
Most infants can distinguish between bold colors, roll from side to side and entertain themselves by playing with their hands or feet. For more information on games that can help your infant develop, click here.
Some infants can direct their attention towards new sounds and identify their names. Few infants can sit without support for a few seconds, place various objects into their mouths, or exhibit stranger anxiety.

Infant development at six months: Infants develop coordination and activate their surroundings
Most infants can direct attention towards various sounds, mimic certain sounds, use their mouths to make bubbles, transfer objects from hand to hand, respond to their names and roll over from front to back AND back to front. It is important to know what might inhibit your infant’s development.
Some infants can extend their hands to various items and stuff them in their mouths and can sit without support. Few infants can move their bodies forward and even begin to crawl, babble, begin to connect sounds, and bring objects closer to them, by dragging them on the floor.

It is important to remember that every infant has their own developmental rhythm and that the developmental process cannot be accelerated. You can encourage development by exposing your infant to stimuli, providing a supportive environment and appropriate care. If you are concerned that your infant is not developing as expected, contact your pediatrician for a consultation.