Milestones for Infants: Month 1 to 4

As pediatric chiropractors, we see a lot of new parents and newborns in our office! The amount of information that you get can seem very overwhelming, especially when it comes to what is and is not “ideal" with milestones. There are always going to be exceptions, variations, and grace periods so this is a general guide!

If you are concerned your little one is behind, reach out and we would love to have a conversation with you on how we could help! Let this be informative for you and not induce fear or anxiety. Every milestone is unique, just like your baby. SO here are some basics on what to expect in those first couple months! 

1st Month

Newborn appearance: baby's in a fetal position - arms and legs close to the body and the knees are typically tucked up under them when on their belly. 

Baby’s head typically will be positioned to one side. 

Baby can only see 6-8 inches away and respond best to the parent’s faces. Get super close and support their head and chin to help them focus on you! 

Babies should not be holding their head up immediately after birth - this is a sign of tension (likely from in-utero positioning and/or birth). Pediatric chiropractors are great for assessing and working with this. They should be able to lift the head to rotate from cheek to cheek in tummy time, but not holding their head stable. 

2nd Month

Baby should be starting to lift their head off of your chest when supported or in a seated position. 

Baby should have a fair ability to keep their head from bobbing while being held (but you still want to support). 

Baby should be interested and trying to reach for toys while on their back. It is okay if they have a preferred arm to use this early in age. 

3rd Month

Baby’s head should be starting to find the center while on their back. If not, this is something a pediatric chiropractor can help and assess!

Baby should be interested in reaching, tracking and playing with toys. 

Baby should be bearing weight through the forearms in tummy time. 

Baby should be bringing hands and toys to their mouth. 

4th Month

Baby should be rolling from tummy to back. 

Baby should be able to sit with support

Baby should be able to straighten their arms during tummy time. 

Baby should be shifting weight to one arm while reaching with the other in tummy time. 

Why are milestones important?

Establishing good stability, trunk and head control are the building blocks for all other milestones to come. Building these early patterns properly allow us to stack on top of this success later on. 

Reaching milestones also help integrate primitive reflexes which allow for higher critical thinking and advanced learning as infants grow into children. (More on this in another blog)

Why should my newborn see a pediatric chiropractor? 

Great question! Pediatric chiropractors (with additional training) are great for promoting healthy milestone development. Chiropractors can:

• Make play and exploration easier and more conformable because chiropractic adjustments reduces tension that may limit their range of motion. 

• Help parents be proactive by discussing upcoming milestones and offer purposeful play ideas. 

• Identify any concerns or lags in milestones, address underlying causes, and offer referrals when needed.

If you are wanting to learn more about improving the overall health of your child with chiropractic, contact us at Apex Chiropractic and request an appointment. Give us a call at 704-821-5000 or email apexchiropracticnc@gmail.com for any questions!