Developmental Milestones by the End of the First Month

Movement

• 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

• Focuses 8 to 12 inches away
• Eyes wander and occasionally cross
• Prefers black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
• Prefers the human face to all other patterns

Hearing

• Hearing is fully mature
• Recognizes some sounds
• May turn toward familiar sounds and voices

Smell and Touch

• 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