In newborns aged from 1 to 3 months, psychomotor development relies upon the continuous interaction with their mother, and with the surrounding environment
The first 3 months of life: a stage of growth with its own timings and rhythms
From birth to the third month of life, newborns begin to acquire their first motor, cognitive, relational and emotional skills. This process is grounded in the symbiotic mother-child relationship, which develops at different times and in different ways from baby to baby. Becoming familiar with the stages of development can help new mothers provide their little ones with the right stimuli without expecting too much of them, respecting the unique timings of their development.
From 1 to 2 months : so much development in just a few weeks
In the first few weeks of life, babies take a number of giant leaps forward. Involuntary reflexes begin to subside, making way for the first deliberate movements. Day to day, baby's suckling skills improve. At around 2 months, your little one will begin to follow you with his or her gaze, and can watch a colourful toy suspended above the crib, as well as producing the very first vocalisations.
In babies of 2 months, smiling is still instinctive
At 2 months , your little one can support his or her head better when in your arms, and when placed tummy-down, can lift and move it slightly from side to side. At this age, baby will respond to your gaze by smiling, although this is still just an instinctive reaction. At this age, little ones show increased levels of attention, and can see more complex images, such as horizontal lines, although only in black and white for now; they can begin to make out red and green towards the end of the second month of life.
At 3 months, baby's movements are more precise
At the 3 month mark, your little one can hold his or her head up without letting it fall backwards when picked up. The first involuntary movements are now being replaced by intentional gestures, although these will still be clumsy! Babies of this age are starting to use their hands, and when placed in the crib, will often move their arms in an attempt to touch the toy hanging in front of them. At 3 months, babies can also identify the source of a sound, and can turn their heads and eyes in the direction of the noise. Your little one will now stop crying and calm down when you come close, or when a music box begins to play.