0-4 Months: Babies in Motion -- Observation Record

How does the baby show that he is beginning to control his body?

Many of babies' first movements are guided by reflexes. Over time, these reflexes fade as babies gain control over when and how they will move.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Get into action–wave his arms and kick his legs while on his back.
• Take a look–hold his head up and glance around briefly while he is held on someone's shoulder.
• Turn left and right–move his head one way and then the other when lying on his stomach.
• Push up–lift his head and chest and look around for a moment.
• Do leg presses–push his legs against the bottom of the crib.

What does this baby do with his body? (Include dates.)

When the baby lies on his back, what does he do with his hands?

Newborns' hands are usually in a fisted position. They tightly grasp whatever is placed in their hands. At around six weeks their hands begin to relax, and they start exploring and touching. Babies often stare at their hands in wonder as they gradually realize they have some control over their movement.

The baby might do one or more of the following:

• Get a grip–fold his fingers around a small rattle that is placed in his hand.
• Try a taste–start to bring a rattle to his mouth.
• Engage in finger play–explore his fingers as his hands meet over the middle of his body.
• Go hand to mouth–suck on a finger or his whole fist.
• Take a swipe–bat at a soft toy hung in front of him when he is in his infant seat.

What does this baby do with his hands? (Include dates.)