Things have been crazy here so many apologies for the delayed post.
This week's developmental information is focused on preemies who are 3-5 months old. In the past I did a post with similar information for preemies who are 0-2 months.
Here are developmental milestones you may start to see at this age:
Large Motor
- Keeps head in line with his/her body when pulled to sitting from lying down
- Rolls from stomach to back
- On stomach, supports self on extended arms
- Bears some weight on feet when held in a supported stand
Small Motor
- Reaches for object and tries to grasp it
- Will finger own hands at midline
- Transfers toy from hand to hand
- Shakes rattle purposely
Social/Play Skills
- Looks at the object he/she is holding
- Smiles or reaches to familiar people
- Smiles or laughs during physical play
Communications
- Turns eyes or head in the direction of voices or sound
- Vocalizes when talked to or sung to
- Uses different cries to indicate what he/she wants
Ways to Optimize Your Baby's Development
- Change your preemie's positions during play time - on tummy, sitting (supported at first and then independently) or lying on back
- Offer toys/objects that your preemie has to reach to get - this will encourage rolling over
- Continue talking, singing, and laughing with your preemie
- Bring your preemie's hands together at the center of his/her body and let him/her bring hands to mouth.
- Let your preemie explore toys by mouthing them (if they are willing to). If your preemie doesn't like to actively mouth things then gently place a textured toy (like a ring) on your preemie's lips and see what he/she does. Slowly over time your preemie may accept it more and be willing to do it him/herself.
- Shake a rattle (and help your preemie do it themselves) to hear the noise and get a response.
- Encourage banging, tapping or any type of noise making
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