By around 2 months, many babies start making eye contact and responding with sounds. According to CDC milestones, most babies tend to show the following by this age.
Social/Emotional
- Tends to calm down when spoken to or picked up.
- Looks at your face more often.
- Often smiles when you talk to them.
Language/Communication
- Begins making sounds other than crying, such as cooing.
- Reacts to loud sounds.
Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)
- Watches you as you move around.
- May look at a toy for several seconds.
Movement/Physical Development
- Starts to briefly hold their head up during tummy time.
- Moves both arms and both legs in a relatively even way.
- May open their hands briefly.
Caregiving Tip
Since babies can’t yet fully control their head, short, frequent tummy-time sessions with a caregiver watching nearby can help. Making eye contact and talking to your baby often is considered a helpful habit that supports social and language development.
When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician
If your baby isn’t yet showing several of these, keep observing for another 1-2 weeks; if there’s still no change, consider talking with a pediatric provider. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.