How does a baby develop between 2 and 4 months?

In our previous article, we looked at babies’ vision, hearing, movement, communication, social development and learning from birth to 2 months. Now we’ll keep following those areas so you can see the changes as your child grows, reading the journey in sequence.

Between 2 and 4 months an exciting phase begins. Your little one starts to realise that what they do can affect the world around them. They spend longer awake, which gives you more chances to be together and to communicate. They cotton on to the idea that communication brings their parents closer, for example by calling you over. They spot patterns and understand them, then act on purpose. That is a strong motivation which drives development forward. If we keep a few things in mind, we can support the process well.

They look at people and objects for longer 

By turning their head, they follow objects that pass in front of them. The “watching my hands” phase begins, which is how they connect what hands can do with the objects they want to grab. They now see more sharply at closer range and can shift focus more quickly. High-contrast objects still grab their attention. They may now happily gaze at a mobile over the cot. In fact, they would love to touch it.

Their eyes are starting to move in parallel. If you notice anything unusual, do have it checked by a specialist. For example, if the eyes still are not aligned by 4 months, if they never look at their hands, or if the eye movements sometimes look erratic.

They begin to filter out neutral and startling sounds 

They learn what certain sounds mean. They ignore ones that do not matter and pay attention to those that do. This is why singing and talking to them is great at this age. The human voice matters most. Tell them what you are doing, respond to their smiles and sounds. You can also use simple, repeated cues that they will learn and understand. This is how links form in the mind, which is a learning process.

Their own sounds can be adorable: squeals, long vowels and funny syllables. They do not yet realise they are producing these sounds, but they enjoy the game. If we respond attentively and try to work out what they want from us, we strengthen the effectiveness of their communication.

If a 3-month-old does not respond to Mum’s voice and does not startle with louder noises, see a specialist. If there were any hearing loss, timely support with the right hearing aids and a teacher of the deaf could prevent delays in speech and language.

How does movement develop in this period?

The bent-limb posture fades. Movements become more symmetrical and voluntary. On their back they can pull their knees up, while on their tummy they no longer tuck them underneath. As head control improves, so does weight-bearing through the arms. At first the hands are set wide, but by 4 months they can usually bring the arms in to shoulder width and lift the chest a little.

If you place your baby on their tummy for short spells when awake every day, by 4 months they will often be happy in this position. That is helpful because now they will start reaching for toys. Some babies need gentle getting-used-to with tummy time.

By 3 to 4 months, lying down, they can reach for toys. Linking where they are looking with how their hands move is a key step that builds hand–eye coordination. It lets them reach, grasp and hold. Deliberately letting go is not there yet. That comes with practice.

When their hand brushes something, they notice it. They explore by touch. That is how they get to know different surfaces — their blanket, a firmer rattle, a soft sleepsuit, Mum’s skin. It is great to offer a few small, safe items with different feels. Safe household bits can work too, like a small plastic cup or a metal beaker.

The social smile appears 

Towards the end of the second month a real social signal arrives: the social smile. It is a deliberate, joyful message for parents and it matters. It powerfully draws a caregiver’s attention and kicks off shared communication.

Cooing begins, which matters for later speech. Right now they are practising movements, sounds and articulations that speech will build on. They start with the easiest so-called basic sounds. Their speech organs have already strengthened through sucking. They imitate adult sounds and even their own. They can tell apart the familiar voices they hear most - Mum, Dad, Gran, a sibling. When you talk, they coo back.

What about social development at this age? 

Around 3 months they call to parents with sounds and squeals to bring you close, because they want to be with you. Smiles are a brilliant tool too, who could resist? They also smile when spoken to or when someone looks at them kindly. They are already steering the interaction.

They do not yet understand words, but they hear how sentences are spoken. They feel the melody and rhythm, and the emotion and attention in your voice and gaze. So keep talking.

People are vital, yet babies also need a bit of time on their own. That need varies widely, so it helps to get to know your own child’s pattern.

Thoughtful toy choices can support learning 

Incoming sights and sounds matter more and more. Their attention is lively. They love lights, sounds and movement. Aim for simple, more natural toys and avoid very loud, harsh or flashing ones. Many household sounds will catch their ear, at least until they get used to them.

Avoid surrounding them with too many toys. It is ideal if there are interesting things on both sides. Many babies enjoy a mobile, but they also want to touch, so a mobile they can never quite reach can frustrate them. Play mats help here, since you can position your baby so they can actually grasp the toys. Always place toys close enough that they can touch them, and close enough to spark the urge to reach.

It also helps to show that different activities happen in different places. Nappy changes on the changing table, feeds in the armchair, play on the mat, sleep in the cot. When they recognise the place, they know what comes next, which can be calming when they are a bit grizzly.

If you would like to read about your baby’s development month by month, have a look at our previous post: baby’s development month by month.

Sources:

CDC – Developmental Milestones at 2 month

CDC – Milestone Moments