 Developmental
Milestones
What
are some of the developmental milestones my child should reach by one month
of age?
In the very
beginning, it may seem that your baby does nothing but eat, sleep, cry, and
fill his diapers. By the end of the first month, he’ll be much more alert
and responsive. Gradually he’ll begin moving his body more smoothly and
with much greater coordination—especially in getting his hand to his
mouth. You’ll realize that he listens when you speak, watches you as
you hold him, and occasionally moves his own body to respond to you or attract
your attention.
Here are
some other milestones to look for.
Movement
milestones
-
Makes
jerky, quivering arm thrusts
-
Brings
hands within range of eyes and mouth
-
Moves
head from side to side while lying on stomach
-
Head
flops backward if unsupported
-
Keeps
hands in tight fists
-
Strong
reflex movements
Visual
and hearing milestones
-
Focuses
8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.4 cm) away
-
Eyes
wander and occasionally cross
-
Prefers
black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
-
Prefers
the human face to all other patterns
-
Hearing
is fully mature
-
Recognizes
some sounds
-
May
turn toward familiar sounds and voices
Smell
and touch milestones
-
Prefers
sweet smells
-
Avoids
bitter or acidic smells
-
Recognizes
the scent of his own mother’s breastmilk
-
Prefers
soft to coarse sensations
-
Dislikes
rough or abrupt handling
Developmental
health watch
If, during
the second, third, or fourth weeks of your baby’s life, she shows any
of the following signs of developmental delay, notify your pediatrician.
-
Sucks
poorly and feeds slowly
-
Doesn’t
blink when shown a bright light
-
Doesn’t
focus and follow a nearby object moving side to side
-
Rarely
moves arms and legs; seems stiff
-
Seems
excessively loose in the limbs, or floppy
-
Lower
jaw trembles constantly, even when not crying or excited
-
Doesn’t
respond to loud sounds
Published online: 6/07
Source: Caring
for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2004 American
Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 5/05)
To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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