Physical Development

From about 2‑3 weeks, your baby will probably gain about 120‑240 grams (4‑8 oz.) per week until your baby’s birth weight doubles, usually by 4‑6 months. Your baby will sleep about 15 hours per day in the first three to four months, and less time as he or she grows older.

Starting from birth, your health care provider should measure your baby’s weight, length and head size on a regular basis. All these measures are important for determining your baby’s growth. Your health care provider will use a growth chart to track your baby’s growth pattern. For more information about your baby’s growth and the growth charts, see the resource Is My Child Growing Well?

Have lots of supervised tummy time on a mat so your baby can kick and move.
Provide a variety of clean, safe, chewable toys.
Play in front of a mirror.
Extend bath time so your baby can kick and squeal while you supervise. Never leave your baby alone in the bath.

First month:

weight may drop after birth but will be regained quickly
hand, arm, leg, and rooting movements are all reflex motions
head flops if not supported
focuses eyes at 18 to 45 cm
stares at high contrast patterns and objects but does not reach
recognizes mother’s voice
startles at noise

Second month:

muscles relax and twitch less
lifts head about 45 degrees while lying on tummy
hands start to unfold
may reach and grasp an object for a short time
eyes move in unison and can track close moving objects
may roll over one way

Third month:

stretches out arms and legs
rolls over from back to side
holds head up to search for sounds and movement
discovers feet and hands
holds objects longer
swipes with arms
briefly bears weight on legs
responds to detailed, high‑contrast objects
cuts first tooth (3rd to 6th month or later)

Fourth month:

stands up and holds weight with help
rolls from front to side
lifts head about 90 degrees
sits with arms propped
reaches for objects
holds hands together

Tummy Time

Tummy time helps your baby learn to roll and crawl. It also helps prevent your baby from getting a flat area on the head. For more information about tummy time, click here.

Fifth month:

rolls over from front to back
grabs toes and feet
wiggles forward on floor
reaches with a good aim
transfers objects from hand to hand

Sixth month:

holds head steady
sits with back straight when propped
grasps small objects and studies them
rolls in both directions
understands that objects may be hiding behind another

Activities for Healthy Development:

Always supervise your baby to prevent falling.
Baby proof your home so that everything harmful is out of the way.
Hold the things you want your baby to see close to your baby’s eyes so she or he can focus clearly.
Have lots of supervised tummy time on a mat so your baby can kick and move. Give clean rattles and toys that your baby can feel and mouth.
Provide a variety of toys and objects that make noise within hitting range.
Play in front of a mirror.
Create safe play spaces on the floor.
Take lots of walks with your baby in the fresh air.
Give safe, clean, chewable toys.
Everything will go in the mouth. Make sure objects are big enough that they cannot be swallowed.
Extend bath time so your baby can kick and squeal while you supervise. Never leave your baby alone in the bath.

For more suggestions, see Leap BC’s guide Move with Me from Birth to Three. This trusted guide contains 40 fun‑filled activities to support your child’s development from birth to age three.