Your baby develops from head to toe — and in that order. That's why babies can hold their heads up before they learn to walk, and can push up on their elbows before pushing up with their hands. Keeping this in mind can help you predict what your baby's next big developmental step will be. Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a baby is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some babies gain skills earlier or later than others. Babies who were born prematurely reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your baby's progress. Here are some new skills your baby may have this month: Communication and Language Skills develops more distinct cries to indicate hunger, pain, or tiredness gurgles and coos (says "ooh" and "ah") smiles in response to being talked to, played with, or smiled at turns his or her attention to whoever is speaking Movement and Physical Development when on his or her belly, can hold up the head and may even push up on the arms good head control when held in a sitting position newborn reflexes start to go away, like the moro (startle) reflex and tonic reflex (fencer's pose) fists remain unclenched half of the time Social and Emotional Development comforts himself or herself, maybe by putting a fist in the mouth makes an effort to look at parents when they're nearby smiles when happy Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning) gets bored and lets you know it by fussing or crying when a change of scenery or a new activity is needed is alert to sounds focuses on and tracks faces and objects from side to side When to Talk to Your Doctor As a parent, you are the best observer of your baby. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your baby's doctor. Tell the doctor if your baby: doesn't notice or play with his or her hands has one eye that is crossed or eyes that don't line up in the same direction has legs or hands that do not move in unison: only one leg kicks, for example, or one arm shakes If you ever notice that your baby has lost skills he or she once had or shows weakness on one side of the body, tell your doctor. Back to Articles Related Articles Your Baby's Growth: 2 Months Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month. Read More Your Child's Checkup: 2 Months Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month. Read More Your Baby's Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 2 Months Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 2 months. Read More Communication and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old Your baby is learning to communicate through facial expressions like smiling or frowning as well as crying, squealing, babbling, and laughing. And those sounds are early attempts to speak! Read More Feeding Your 1- to 3-Month-Old Whether you've chosen to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, your infant will let you know when it's time to eat. Read More Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old You probably have lots of questions about your baby's health. When should you call the doctor, and what medical care should you expect for your baby at this age? Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.