Normal Development: 2 Weeks Old

Here’s what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 2 weeks and 2 months.

Movement

  • Movements gradually become smoother and more controlled.
  • Lifts chin for a few seconds when lying on tummy.
  • Cannot support head without help.
  • Grasps whatever is placed in hand.

Vision and Hearing

  • May follow some moving objects with eyes.
  • Explores surroundings with eyes.
  • Turns in direction of some sounds.

Interactive Behaviors

  • Cries to express specific things, such as hunger, pain, being too hot or too cold, and excitement.
  • May cry when left alone; usually stops when picked up.
  • Makes gurgling and cooing sounds when happy and content.
  • Makes eye contact.
  • May quiet down in response to human face.
  • Responds positively to being held and comforted.
  • May smile at familiar faces and voices, especially mother’s voice.

Each child is unique. Some behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, but a wide range of growth and behavior for each age is normal. It is natural for a child to reach some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns about your child’s own pattern of development, check with your healthcare provider.

Written by Donna Warner Manczak, PhD, MPH and Robert Brayden, MD.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.2 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2009-10-29
Last reviewed: 2011-09-20
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

References
Pediatric Advisor 2012.2 Index