Your baby at 2 months

Two months is the CDC's first checklist. Watch for smiles back at you, and for your baby lifting their head during tummy time.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 2 months lists 11 things most babies (75% or more) do by 2 months, such as “Smiles when you talk to or smile at her” and “Holds head up when on tummy”. Many do them sooner. If your baby isn't doing one or more of them, or has lost a skill, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What most babies do by 2 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

Calms down when spoken to or picked up
Looks at your face
Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
Smiles when you talk to or smile at her

Language/Communication Milestones

Makes sounds other than crying
Reacts to loud sounds

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Watches you as you move
Looks at a toy for several seconds

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Holds head up when on tummy
Moves both arms and both legs
Opens hands briefly

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 2 months, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 2 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Smile and wait
Smile, say your baby's name, then wait. Give them time to smile back. A smile back is a first conversation.
Where's the rattle?
Hold a rattle off to one side of your baby's head, shake it gently and see if they look for the sound. Try the other side.
Floor time with a face
Lay your baby on their tummy on a blanket on the floor and lie down facing them, at eye level. Talk so they lift their head to see you.
Safety: Only while your baby is awake and you're right there.

Things to say

“You smiled! I love that smile.”
“Up goes your head. So strong!”
“I'm here. I'm right here.”

Say it, then wait. Give your baby time to answer with a look, a sound or a word, and answer back.

A rhyme to share

This Little Piggy. Wiggle one toe for each line, and tickle up to the tummy on the last one.

The words are on Peabody's Nursery rhymes with lyrics list.

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies smile?By 2 months: Smiles when you talk to or smile at her
When do babies hold their head up?By 2 months: Holds head up when on tummy
When do babies coo?By 4 months: Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
When do babies recognize their parents?By 2 months: Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't doing one or more of the things on the CDC's 2-month list above, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

What the CDC suggests you share with the doctor

What are some things you and your baby do together?
What are some things your baby likes to do?
Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

From the CDC's Milestones by 2 months page. The CDC suggests filling in a milestone checklist and sharing it with your child's doctor; its Milestone Tracker app is free.

Peabody Parents