2 Months: Recognizing Early Motor Delays

A Comparison Examination of 2 Month Old Infants

Typical Atypical
May show more asymmetrical
Maintains head in midline movement with predominance
for brief periods of head to one side; or strong
Locates objects visually and asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
tracks from left to right (ATNR)
Supine

Begins to show antigravity Difficulty visually tracking, may

movements of upper and only track to one side or only to
lower extremities midline
Not yet able to reach and Decreased ability to generate
grasp toys upper and lower extremity
antigravity movements
Longer periods of inactivity

Able to lift head and upper

trunk during facilitated
roll, showing lateral head May be unable to right head
Sidelying

righting during facilitated rolling

Begins to balance activity May look more competent
of trunk flexor and extensor in sidelying, therefore
muscles important to observe baby
Ability to change from in all eight positions
predominant use of flexors
to use of extensors as
position requires

Head lifting to 45 degrees

and extension through upper Posture looks more like a
thoracic spine newborn; infant does not
Prone

Hips and knees begin to show hip extension; hips

move from flexed newborn and knees remain in flexed,
posture into extended, abducted posture.
abducted position, which No independent head lifting;
allows head and trunk lifting can move head only with
Elbows typically not directly assistance
under the shoulders until 3
months

Head-lag is typical until the May exhibit head-lag

infant is about 15 degrees through the entire pull to sit
from upright maneuver
Pull To Sit

Uses shoulder elevation and Poor head control when in

elbow flexion to assist upright sitting
Able to engage neck muscles Little muscle activity in the
to sustain midline head upper extremities or cervical
control when upright spine
Good extension through the When upright, rounding of
cervical and upper thoracic the thoracic and lumbar
spine spine
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 2 Months: Recognizing Early Motor Delays
A Comparison Examination of 2 Month Old Infants
Typical Atypical

Head is aligned with ear

directly over the shoulder Needs more support to sustain
Sitting

Holds and sustains posture sitting posture

with assistance Inability to achieve and sustain
Head turning may or may head lifting in upright position
not be present at 2 months, Little to no antigravity arm
but should be seen by 3 activity
months
Horizontal Suspension

Able to activate adequate

neck and trunk extension to Difficulty or inability to
sustain posture activate neck or upper
Can maintain brief periods thoracic extensors to lift
of head control, but may not head
be able to hold the head in May try to use arm and
midline leg movements to sustain
posture
Protective Extension

Aware of being tilted forward;

increases head and neck
Unable to generate
extension
antigravity head and
Will not be fully able to
trunk activity
bring arms forward for full
protective response until
6 months

Able to sustain weight on

lower extremities with
support at the trunk
Standing

May support little if any

Typically shows intermittent
weight on feet
bouts of extension and
Little or no intermittent
flexion
muscle activity to attain or
Good vertical alignment
maintain standing
from head through trunk
and feet

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Pathways.org is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Permission to cite any part of this work must be obtained from Pathways.org.
Materials are provided at no cost; no fees or charges may be associated with any of the Pathways.org materials without prior written approval.
www.Pathways.org Facebook.com/PathwaysDotOrg (800)955-CHILD (2445)