Key takeaways: By 2 months, most babies smile at people, make cooing sounds, watch you move, and hold their head up during tummy time. The CDC lists skills that 75 percent or more of babies show by this age. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor; don’t wait.
Two months is when many parents get their first real smile. Your baby is becoming more social and alert every day.
About the CDC Milestones
The CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists were updated in 2022. They list skills that most babies (75 percent or more) show by a given age. That means if your baby hasn’t reached one, it’s worth discussing, rather than waiting.
Milestones by 2 Months
Social and emotional:
- Calms down when spoken to or picked up.
- Looks at your face.
- Seems happy to see you when you walk up.
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at them.
Language and communication:
- Makes sounds other than crying.
- Reacts to loud sounds.
Cognitive (learning and thinking):
- Watches you as you move.
- Looks at a toy for several seconds.
Movement and physical:
- Holds head up when on tummy.
- Moves both arms and both legs.
- Opens hands briefly.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
How to Support Development
- Talk, sing, and read to your baby throughout the day.
- Respond to coos with your own sounds, then pause for a “reply.”
- Smile and make faces. Babies love faces more than any toy.
- Tummy time: build to 15 to 30 minutes a day, in short sessions.
- Respond to crying. Comforting your baby helps them learn to trust and calm.
- Limit screens. Real interaction is how babies learn.
Premature Babies
If your baby was born early, use their adjusted age (age from due date) when looking at milestones until about age 2.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your baby’s doctor if your baby:
- Doesn’t respond to loud sounds.
- Doesn’t watch things as they move.
- Doesn’t smile at people.
- Doesn’t bring hands to mouth.
- Can’t hold head up when pushing up on tummy.
- Has lost skills they once had.
- Seems very stiff or very floppy.
Also speak up if you simply have a concern. You know your baby best. Your doctor may do a developmental screening or refer your baby to your state’s free early intervention program.
The 2-Month Visit
At this checkup, your doctor will check growth, development, and give recommended vaccines. Bring your questions and the CDC checklist.
The Bottom Line
At 2 months, look for smiles, cooing, watching faces, and head lifting during tummy time. Every baby develops at their own pace, but if something worries you, talk to your doctor early.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Your Baby’s 4- and 6-Month Milestones
- Your Baby at 3 Months
- Your Baby’s 9- and 12-Month Milestones
- Your Baby’s First Month: Development and What Helps
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the Signs. Act Early.: Milestones by 2 Months. https://www.cdc.gov/milestones
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- Lipkin PH, Macias MM; Council on Children With Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Promoting optimal development: identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders through developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193449.
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Serve and Return. https://developingchild.harvard.edu
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
