Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some babies gain skills earlier or later than others. Babies who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your baby's progress.

Here are things babies usually do by this age:

Communication and Language Skills

• make sounds other than crying
• react to loud noises

Movement and Physical Development

• when on their belly, hold up their head
• move both arms and both legs
• open their hands briefly

Social and Emotional Development

• calm down when spoken to or picked up
• look at your face
• seem happy to see you
• smile when you talk or smile

Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)

• watch you as you move
• look at a toy for several seconds

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You know your baby best. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your baby's doctor.

If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your baby had skills but has lost them, tell the doctor.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program.