Babies are born with their own temperament and unique personalities. Every baby develops at his own pace. No one book on infant development will describe your child. I know it is difficult, but try not to compare your child with others! Your family practitioner or pediatrician will be following your infant’s development with you at each visit.

Two-month-olds are learning to smile. It is truly a wonderful moment when your baby responds to you after all your hard work. As your baby is rewarded with smiles in return, smiling will occur more often.

A daily change of environment is also good for everyone. Take your baby out to explore the world.

Your baby will love mobiles and cradle gyms. Most babies love brightly colored objects, high-contrast black and white designs with primary colors, big round shapes (especially faces) and mirrors.

Your baby’s hand becomes a new “toy” by about three months of age. Hands are loosening up and are less often held in a closed fist. Babies may stare at their hands for hours. Your baby can hold a rattle placed in the hand, but cannot yet reach for it.

You will notice increasing vocalization, with your baby making echoing sounds. Take time to cuddle and talk to your baby. By three months of age, your baby will turn in the direction of a sound. Babies love music and singing, as well as just “chatting.”

By this age, babies have increasing neck strength, but remain wobbly until four months of age. It is not dangerous to practice standing if you have a baby who wants to be in that position. However, most babies will not be able to support their own weight on their legs at this point.

Because babies are now placed on their backs to sleep, some babies have developed a flattening of the backs of their heads. To help avoid this, it is recommended to place the baby on his or her tummy for short periods, or to keep the baby held upright in order to counter the time spent on the back of their heads.