What is a developmental milestone for a 2-month-old regarding social interaction?

• A. Monitors gaze
• B. Identifies body parts
• C. Turns to name
• D. Follows direction

Answer: (A)

At 2 months of age, a developmental milestone regarding social interaction is that an infant begins to monitor gaze. This behavior indicates that the baby is starting to engage with their surroundings and the people in them. Monitoring gaze means the infant can visually track a person’s movements and show interest in their face, which is a fundamental step in social development and communication. Engaging with caregivers through eye contact lays the groundwork for future social skills and emotional bonds.

The other options represent milestones that occur at different ages. Identifying body parts typically develops later as a child grows and begins to understand their own body and gains complex cognitive skills. Turning to name and following direction are also later milestones that reflect more advanced cognitive and language development usually expected around 6 to 12 months of age. Hence, focusing on monitoring gaze as a social interaction skill is accurate for a 2-month-old.