Newborn development at 1-2 months: what’s happening

Around this time, most babies cry and fuss more. This is a typical part of development and will pass in time. It usually peaks around 6-8 weeks and starts to settle at around 12-16 weeks.

Your baby has made a strong bond with you already – they recognise you and respond to your voice and smile. And your baby has even started smiling themselves from about 6 weeks old.

Your baby can see objects about 45 cm away. Your baby will watch you move around now, following you with their eyes from side to side as well as up and down.

Your 2-month-old is more alert to sound and will look at you when you talk. Your baby is also more vocal, gurgling and making single vowel sounds like ‘a’ or ‘o’.

Your baby is getting better at moving. When your baby is on their tummy, you might see them lift their head and turn it from side to side. Your baby might even lift their chest off the ground.

Your baby has also discovered they have fingers and hands! By now they’ll have their hands open half the time and can hold onto a rattle when you put it in their hand. Your baby might also hold both hands together.

When it’s time for a feed, your baby might open their mouth when they see the breast or bottle.

Helping newborn development at 1-2 months

Here are simple things you can do to help your newborn’s development:

  • Hold and cuddle your baby: this helps your baby feel safe and secure. It can also help with bonding between you and your baby.
  • Spend time with your baby: try reading and telling stories, talking and singing. Doing these things every day also helps your baby get familiar with sounds and words. This develops language and communication skills your baby will need when they’re older.
  • Smile at your baby: when your baby sees you smile, it releases natural chemicals in their body. This makes your baby feel good, safe and secure. It also helps your baby’s brain develop and builds attachment to you.
  • Play with your newborn: this helps your baby’s brain to grow and helps your baby learn about the world. It also strengthens the bond between you.
  • Make eye contact with your baby: when you get your baby to follow your eyes, it encourages your baby to turn their head. This builds your baby’s neck strength and head control.
  • Give your baby tummy time: start with 1-2 minutes and build up to 10-15 minutes several times a day. Tummy time builds your baby’s head, neck and upper body strength. Your baby needs these muscles to lift their head, crawl and pull themselves up to stand when they’re older. Always watch your baby during tummy time, and put your baby on their back to sleep.
  • Try baby massage: baby massage is a great way to bond with your baby. It can also be relaxing and soothing if your baby is cranky.

Sometimes your baby won’t want to do some of these things – for example, they might be too tired or hungry. Your baby will use baby cues to let you know when they’ve had enough and what they need.

Newborn crying and how to respond

Sometimes you’ll know why your baby is crying. When you respond to crying – for example, by feeding your baby if they’re hungry – they feel comfortable and safe.

Sometimes you might not know why your baby is crying, but it’s still important to comfort your baby. You can’t spoil your baby by picking them up, cuddling them or talking to them in a soothing voice.

Never shake a baby. It can cause bleeding inside the brain and likely permanent brain damage. If you feel like you can’t cope, it’s OK to take some time out until you feel calmer. Gently put your baby in a safe place like a cot. Go to another room to breathe deeply, or call your state or territory parenting helpline.

Parenting a newborn

Every day you and your baby will learn a little more about each other. As your baby grows and develops, you’ll learn more about what your baby needs and how you can meet these needs.

As a parent, you’re always learning. It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s OK to admit you don’t know something and ask questions or get help.

It’s also important to look after yourself. Looking after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is good for you, and it’s good for your baby. When you’re well, you can give your baby the loving attention they need to grow and thrive. You can also cope better if your baby is crying a lot.

Remember that part of looking after yourself is asking for help, especially if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry. There are many people who can support you and your baby, including your partner, friends, relatives, child and family health nurse and GP.

When to be concerned about newborn development

You know your baby best. So it’s a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you have any concerns or notice that your 2-month-old has any of the following difficulties.

Seeing, hearing and communicating
Your child:

  • is crying a lot and is difficult to soothe, and this is worrying you
  • isn’t watching faces or looking you in the eyes, even for a short time
  • isn’t responding to bright light or can’t focus their eyes on something
  • isn’t hearing things – for example, isn’t startling to loud sounds or turning their head towards sounds
  • isn’t making sounds like gurgling.

Behaviour and movement
Your child:

  • isn’t feeding well
  • seems very tired
  • is sleeping more than is typical for newborn sleep
  • isn’t beginning to smile
  • isn’t moving their arms or legs.

It’s also a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you or your partner experiences the signs of postnatal depression in birthing mothers or postnatal depression in non-birthing parents. Signs of postnatal depression include feeling sad and crying for no obvious reason, feeling irritable, having difficulty coping and feeling very anxious.

Development usually happens in the same order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your child’s development is on track or you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. See your child and family health nurse or GP.

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