DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES - FIRST MONTH

Gross Motor and Fine Motor

• Makes jerky arm movements; moves both sides of body
• Follows moving objects briefly with eyes
• Moves head from side to side while lying on stomach
• Has head flop backward if it is unsupported
• Has strong reflex movements (sucking, grasping, Moro or startle reflex)
• Brings hands within range of eyes and mouth
• Is able to keep hands in tight fists

Language

• Makes sounds

Personal and Social

• Prefers to look at human faces more than at other objects

Other Characteristics and Behaviors to Expect

• Focuses on things 8 to 12 inches away
• Has eyes that tend to wander and occasionally cross
• Is startled by loud noises
• Prefers black-and-white or high-contrast patterns

Talk with Your Child’s Doctor if Your Child

• Sucks poorly and feeds slowly
• Doesn’t blink when shown a bright light
• Doesn’t focus on and follow a nearby moving object at all
• Rarely moves arms and legs; seems stiff or floppy
• Doesn’t respond to loud sounds