1 - 2 Months

1 month

Social

Recognises parents' voices.
May start to smile at faces.
Baby sleeps most of the time.
Much behaviour is automatic (reflexive).
Cries if under or overstimulated (for example, when hungry, uncomfortable, tired. Baby usually stops crying when picked up or spoken to calmly.)

Physical

Walking and standing reflexes apparent during the early weeks.
Baby has a sucking reflex, a rooting reflex (i.e. when cheek's touched, turns and attempts to suck).
Needs support to head.
Enjoys the touch of skin (Skin to skin contact can also assist with bonding and increasing breast milk supply).
Has large, jerky movements.

Visual

Can see a distance of about 15-20cm.
Can follow brightly coloured toy.
Will follow a face when moved slowly in front of baby.
Prefers looking at high contrast toys and objects.
Turns eyes towards light.
Can appear to be cross eyed at times.

Vocal/Auditory

May coo gently.
Enjoys being talked to.
Responds to voices.
Startled by sudden loud sounds.

2 months

Social

Responds to faces with smiles.
Personality traits start to emerge; baby starts to show emotions.
Becomes more alert and responsive.
Stops crying when picked up.
Accepts baths and dressing routines more happily.

Physical

Muscles relax more and (twitch less) not so jerky.
Opens hands more - may briefly hold small objects.
May lift head slightly when put on stomach.

Visual

Follows brightly coloured moving toy, held about 20 cm away.
Seeks visual stimulation, eg. from your face or a toy.
A defensive blink is present by 6-8 weeks.

Vocal/Auditory

Coos, squeals and gurgles.
Turns head toward sounds of nearby voices.