🧠 Developmental Milestones: 0–5 Months

🧬 Overview

The first five months of life are full of rapid growth and subtle but powerful changes. While every baby develops at their own pace, there are common milestones in movement, communication, social interaction, and sensory development that help track healthy progress.

🗓️ Month-by-Month Highlights

✅ 0–1 Month

• Moves arms and legs randomly
• Startles to loud sounds (Moro reflex)
• Stares at faces and high-contrast patterns
• Begins to lift head briefly during tummy time

✅ 2 Months

• Smiles responsively (“social smile”)
• Coos and gurgles
• Follows objects with eyes
• Holds head up during tummy time

✅ 3 Months

• Opens and closes hands
• Brings hands to mouth
• Pushes down with legs when feet are on a surface
• Begins mimicking facial expressions and sounds

✅ 4 Months

• Rolls from tummy to back
• Reaches for toys with one hand
• Laughs out loud
• Turns head toward sounds

✅ 5 Months

• Rolls in both directions (front-to-back, back-to-front)
• Begins to sit with support
• Recognizes familiar faces from a distance
• Explores with hands and mouth

🧩 Tips for Parents

• Tummy time daily helps build strength for crawling and sitting
• Narrate your actions and speak directly to your baby often
• Provide age-appropriate toys that encourage reaching and grasping
• Mirror your baby’s facial expressions to build connection
• Track changes, but don’t panic if a milestone is slightly delayed

Every baby develops at their own pace. If you're ever concerned, talk to your pediatrician.

⚠️ When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

• Doesn’t respond to loud sounds
• Doesn’t smile by 3 months
• Has difficulty moving one or both eyes
• Very stiff or very floppy limbs
• Doesn’t bring hands to mouth by 4 months

📚 Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Developmental Milestones: Birth to 5 Months.”
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Baby Milestone Chart: Month-by-Month”
3. Zero to Three. “Your Baby’s Development: 0–5 Months”