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Newborn Child Developmental Milestones

Congratulations on your new baby! It’s amazing to see that a newborn baby cries to communicate needs, knows how to suck and gazes at your face. Learn more about what your baby can already do.

Babies develop at their own pace and each milestone shows a range of skills typically seen in infant development. Your baby might develop more quickly in some areas than in others. Your baby may not meet every milestone listed here and still be progressing normally. Since each child is unique, your baby’s growth might be different from what's included here.

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Watch this video to see milestones and stages of development for newborns and get ideas on how you can support a newborn's healthy development.

moving icon Moving - Physical or Motor Development

  • Supports head and upper body when lying on stomach. When lying on tummy, "pushes up" (lifts up head and chest and looks around for a minute).
  • Turns head easily from side to side. When lying on tummy, moves head one way and then another.
  • Comforts self by bringing hands to face to suck on fingers or fist.
  • Keeps hands mostly closed and fisted.
  • Blinks at bright lights.

talking icon Talking - Communication and Language Development

  • Communicates mainly by crying.
  • Gives clues about being hungry by smacking lips and rooting.
  • Yawns and arches back when overstimulated.

interacting icon Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

  • Shows feelings by crying and smiling.
  • Uses face and body to communicate feelings.
  • Shows interest in watching your face.
  • Quiets in response to your touch.

thinking icon Thinking - Cognitive Development

  • Sees objects that are eight to 12 inches from his/her face.
  • Is sensitive to sounds around him/her.
  • Startles to loud noises by arching back, kicking legs and flailing arms.

Resources

Help Me Grow has a variety of resources that can help you support the healthy development of a newborn. Learn more about Infant and Toddler Intervention and Preschool Special Education services and discover other resources available to you.

Encouraging Healthy Development for a Newborn

Ideas that can help you support the development of a newborn.

Help Me Grow Articles

Articles that help you support the healthy development of a newborn.

Resources Directory

A directory of services provided for families of children with disabilities.

newborn baby

If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, do not hesitate to refer a child.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

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Locate services for pregnant and parenting families with young children.
phone icon You can also call 1-866-693-4769 to refer a Minnesota child.
Email helpmegrow@state.mn.us