It's important to clarify that newborns don't progress through clearly defined "stages" in the same way that toddlers or older children do. However, we can look at newborn development in terms of monthly milestones and typical achievements within the first four months. The WebMD article provided focuses on monthly gross motor skill development. Therefore, the question can be answered by outlining the general motor skill development a baby should be achieving in the first four months.
Here's a breakdown of gross motor skill development in the first 4 months of a newborn's life:
- 1 Month: At one month old, a newborn can move their head from side to side when placed on their stomach.
- 2 Months: By two months, a baby can briefly hold their head and neck up while on their tummy.
- 3 Months: Around three months, a baby starts reaching for and grabbing at objects.
- 4 Months: At four months old, a baby can push up on their arms when lying on their tummy.
These are just general guidelines and individual babies may develop at slightly different paces. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, consult with your pediatrician.
