During their first few weeks/months they are relying on reflex movements which are ingrained in them and they use them for their everyday survival.

By the time they have reached 1 month they should be able to do such things as turn their head towards sounds and light or watch faces of those who are talking to them or feeding or playing with them. They will show pleasure by smiling, etc.

A baby needs to have tummy time to promote strength in their neck muscles and helps to encourage essential skills and movements that they will need to learn such as rolling, crawling, sitting and the hand-eye co-ordination skills. Tummy time should be from an early age and the length of time that increased over time until by the time they reach 3 months they are actively playing on their tummy during the day.

At 4 weeks 1 can:

• When lying on belly turn head to one side, with bum raised and legs flexed and can lift head for a few seconds.
• When on back turn head to one side with that arm and leg on that side extended and the other arm and leg flexed.
• When held in a sitting position their back is completley curved and head flops forward.
• When pulled to sit up their head flops backwards.
• Hands are still loosley fisted.
• Will follow slow movements of objects in front of them.
• Gazes at caregivers face when held to face them.
• Still sleeps most of the time.
• When lying on belly turn head to one side, with bum raised and legs flexed and can lift head for a few seconds.
• When on back turn head to one side with that arm and leg on that side extended and the other arm and leg flexed.
• Starts to make ‘throaty’ noises when happy and content.
• Is soothed by voices or low rythmic sounds.
• Responds to touching, cuddling and rocking.
• Distinguishes beween light and dark and will turn away from bright light.
• Is startled by sudden loud noises.