01 Head and Neck Development
During this stage, a significant advancement in the child's development is the strengthening of neck muscles. From birth, you can engage your baby in tummy time play several times a day. By the age of two months, they will begin to struggle to lift their head to look around. Even if it's just for a second or two, they'll see a whole new world.
This simple exercise also helps strengthen the muscles at the back of their necks. Through consistent practice, they'll be able to prop up their head and chest with their elbows. This milestone is crucial as it enables them to have more control over their body to observe the world around them. By around four months old, they can confidently hold their head up without it flopping in any direction.
02 Rolling Over Practice
Around four months of age, babies might even start rolling over from a supine position by kicking their legs to assume a prone position. However, they typically won't roll back from prone to supine until about six months old. Because you can't predict when they'll start rolling over, always be extra cautious when placing your baby on a changing table or any elevated surface.
03 Leg Movement Development
When supported under their arms with their feet touching the ground, infants exhibit another newborn reflex called the stepping reflex, encouraging them to make stepping motions. However, this reflex usually disappears around six weeks old and won't reappear until the baby is ready to walk. By around three to four months old, babies can freely flex and extend their legs. When you hold them upright and their feet touch the ground, they might squat down first, then push to almost stand on their own (though they still need your help to maintain balance). Eventually, they'll attempt to bend their knees and gradually start bouncing in place. Some parents worry that this bouncing might be harmful, but it's perfectly safe, and physical activity contributes to a healthier baby.
04 Hand Movement Development
During these months, there's also rapid progress in hand and arm movements. Initially, their hands will tightly clench into fists with the thumbs tucked inside. Around the first to second month, infants start to open their hands and extend their arms outward. By the third month, their hands are mostly in a semi-open position, and you'll notice them cautiously opening and closing their hands. They can grip objects tightly, shake them, chew on them, and even pass objects back and forth between their hands.
Developmental Milestones for Infants aged 1-3 Months
Babies can prop up their head and chest with their elbows.
Babies can confidently hold their head up without it flopping in any direction.
Babies can tightly grip objects, shake them, chew on them, and even pass objects back and forth between their hands.