They use their hands to touch their faces, bodies, and knees when lying on their back.Īrm and hand movements are usually symmetrical (the right and left hands moving in unison) and babies’ hands should be able to open and close easily. Tracking (looking from side to side), divergence and convergence (perceiving objects that are near or far), and downward visual gaze (looking at something below the level of the eyes) become easier and more established.Īlso, by three months, babies begin to show decreased frustration and increased tolerance for tummy time (as long as they’ve had lots of practice) and should be able to actively bear weight on their forearms during tummy time.ġ || Arching the body backward in any positionĢ || Keeping one or both hands tightly clenched all the timeģ || Shifting weight and/or reaching only to one side during playĤ || Difficulty with initiating and maintaining sidelying position (at 5-6 months)ĥ || Lacking variety in movements on the floorĦ || Consistently falling forward or extending backward when placed in sitting (at 6 months) 4 monthsīabies that are 4 months of age are experimenting with active movement against gravity. Vision also becomes more organized by the third month, because babies’ heads are more stable. They should be able to hold their head in a midline position and bring both of their hands to the mouth and body.ĭuring this age range, babies begin to explore their bodies using their hands, beginning the process of developing body awareness and body mapping in the brain.

Pay close attention to strong movement preferences, noticeable stiffness or “floppiness”, and head shape.īy the third month of life, babies should start to organize to midline and adopt more symmetry with their posture and movements. Because of this, it can be challenging to discern subtle motor problems at this age. *Note: During the second month, babies’ movements are marked with increased asymmetry. head tilted to one side, head turned to one side, arched back, or back arched to the side)Ĥ || Flattening of the back or side of headĥ || Decreased movement on one side of body compared to the otherĦ || Excessive arching of back/body, or excessive stiffness or floppinessħ || Significant birth history (trauma, medical complications at birth) Thanks to Wendi McKenna, DPT, PCS, C/NDT from Move Play Growfor helping us compile the detailed list below… 0 – 3 Months: Developmental Red Flagsġ || Feeding difficulties, especially when accompanied by irritabilityĢ || Preferring to turn head to one side more than the otherģ || Showing a strong preference for a specific posture or position, seldom moving out of a specific position (e.g. What are red flags for infant development?

While this is true, there are certain markers or developmental red flags that we therapists might notice that can point to possible developmental concerns that may warrant a referral for early intervention services. There is a range of what’s considered “typical” development and all kids develop at their own pace.

If there’s one thing we’re sure of (as moms and as professionals), it’s that child development and developmental milestonesdon’t always unfold in a perfect, linear way.

Closed hands kids