Baby Growth and Development
Newborn Baby Milestones

Recognising different newborn baby milestones will help you monitor baby growth and development. As your little one grows, they will accomplish various milestones along the way. As a parent, it’s important to know more about these newborn baby milestones so you can be sure that your new baby is growing and developing appropriately. Here are some key parts of normal baby growth and development, so you know what to look out for.

​

• Most babies will begin to make jerky or quivering arm movements and start to bring their hands near their face by the end of their first month of life. You may also notice that your newborn is keeping its hands in tight fists. This is also completely normal during the first stage of baby growth and development.

• During the first month, babies will move their heads from side to side when they lie on their stomachs, and they’ll also start to be able to focus on objects between eight and 12 inches away. Babies also start to hear quite well during their first month in life, and some will also start to recognize familiar sounds and voices.

• By the end of a baby’s third month, they should be able to raise their head and chest while lying on their stomach, and they should be able to support their upper body with their arms. Most babies will also begin stretching out their legs and kicking when lying on their stomachs or backs.

• Babies will be able to open and close their hands and bring their hands to their mouths by the end of their third month. They should also start to grab and shake small toys and should be able to easily start to follow moving objects with their eyes.

• Although they can’t tell you, newborns should be able to recognise familiar people and things from a distance and should be able to smile when they hear their parents' voices. This is one of many parents’ favorite newborn baby milestones! Your little one should also show signs that they enjoy playing with you, and they may become agitated when playtime stops.

​