At what age can infants usually hold their necks steady and recognize their mother?

Infants typically reach the milestone of holding their necks steady and beginning to recognize their mother around the age of 3 months. At this stage of development, babies show increased neck muscle strength, allowing them to hold their heads upright while being supported in a sitting position. This is a critical aspect of their motor development.

Additionally, recognition of caregivers is part of social-emotional development. By about 3 months, infants are becoming more aware of their surroundings and can differentiate between familiar faces and strangers, often responding with smiles and coos to their mothers or primary caregivers.

As infants grow, these milestones are crucial for their overall neurological and emotional growth, setting the foundation for further social interactions and physical skills.