Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get your attention

What is this milestone?

Beginning intentional communication

Your baby is beginning to actively seek your gaze and attention. They might lock eyes with you across the changing table, wiggle their body excitedly, or make soft cooing sounds specifically directed at you.

Why it matters

This is the very beginning of intentional, two-way communication. Your baby is realizing that they can initiate an interaction and that you will respond. It strengthens emotional bonds and sets the stage for early language development.

What to expect leading up to it

Before they consistently seek your attention, you may notice brief periods of mutual gazing. They will gradually start to hold eye contact longer and pair it with body movements or vocalizations to draw you in.

How to encourage and support it

Meet their gaze frequently. When they look at you or make a sound, pause what you're doing, look back, and respond verbally. Treat these moments as conversations to encourage their desire to connect and communicate.

When to talk to your doctor

By around 3 months most babies follow a face or a moving object with their eyes. Mention it to your pediatrician if your baby does not watch faces, does not follow objects by 4 months, or if their eyes still cross or drift consistently after 4 months. Eye alignment is much easier to treat early. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.