At 3 months old, your baby is rapidly growing and developing new skills. This is a time of significant change, with milestones such as increased muscle control, social smiles, and more interactive behaviors. Understanding what to expect can help you support and celebrate your baby’s progress during this exciting stage.
My 3-Month-Old Baby: Growth and Development Milestones
By 3 months, your baby will have formed a strong attachment to you. They will respond to you with lots of smiles and might even talk back to you in their own way with coos and babbles. The worst of the crying should be nearly over, and you can really enjoy your baby as they grow into their own little person.
By the time your baby is 3 months old, the posterior fontanelle (soft spot at the back of their head) should have closed. There will still be a soft spot on top of their head, which is normal and will close over time. It might seem as if your baby’s head has grown faster than their body. This is typical, and the body will soon catch up.
You will still be getting disturbed sleep at night, but from 3 months, many babies start to ‘sleep through’ (which means sleeping for 5 or 6 hours at a stretch at night). But don’t worry if your baby isn’t doing this — they are all different. Some babies may still wake up frequently, and that’s perfectly normal. Keep up with your bedtime routine, as consistency can help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns over time.
Milestones and Abilities: What Your 3-Month-Old Can Do
At 3 months old, your baby is growing rapidly and developing new skills that showcase their emerging abilities. From better head control to more social interactions, this stage is filled with exciting milestones that highlight their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Here’s a look at what your 3-month-old can do and how these developments are shaping their journey:
- physical Development.By 3 months, your baby will begin to reach out for objects as their arm and hand muscles develop. They will attempt to put things in their mouth, exploring the world through taste. They will have better control of their head movements, holding their head up when sitting. During tummy time, you might notice them rolling from front to back, lifting their head, or pushing their chest up with their hands. Their arms and legs will wave and kick strongly. If held upright with feet on the floor or your lap, they’ll likely push down on their legs. When near a dangling object, they may bat at it with closed fists but can also open their fingers to grasp. By 3 months, most babies can bring their hands together;
- cognitive Development.While they can’t yet coordinate hands and eyes fully, they may take long looks at objects and shake or rattle them. Their sense of touch is becoming more sensitive, and they start paying attention to things for longer periods;
- social Development.Babies at this age will smile at strangers but clearly recognize their parents. Their brain is growing quickly, and they will start to recognize people by sight, smell, and voice;
- emotional Development.By now, your baby will begin experiencing emotions and communication. They will respond to different expressions, know your voice, and turn to look for you when they hear you. They may start laughing out loud and show curiosity, especially towards their fingers and toes.
Language Development.Your baby will gurgle a lot and try to respond when you talk to them. This early form of communication is crucial for their language development.
Understanding the milestones and abilities of your 3-month-old helps you appreciate their rapid growth and development. As they gain better control over their movements, become more socially responsive, and start to explore their environment, each new skill brings a sense of wonder and excitement. Enjoy these moments and support their journey with love and engagement.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development: Tips and Activities for 3-Month-Olds
This is the time when the foundations of language are built. Talk and read to your baby as much as possible. It will help them learn how language works and how conversations go back and forth. Respond to your baby with words or with different noises to encourage them to express themselves.
Choose baby books with large, bright pictures. It doesn’t really matter what the words are; it’s the sound of your voice that counts. Point to things around your baby and tell them the names. If you live in a bilingual home, use both languages to describe the world to your baby. This exposure can be beneficial for their cognitive development.
You can help your baby develop the muscles in their neck and back by dangling a toy in front of them when they’re on their tummy. Offer them toys to help them learn to grasp. Stimulate their sense of touch by stroking them with different materials like fur, felt, and tissue. Cuddles, massages, and gentle movements through the air will help to calm them down and provide sensory stimulation. Regular tummy time and interactive play can also enhance their physical and cognitive growth.
Babies develop at different rates, but there are certain milestones they typically reach around 3 months. It’s important to monitor your baby’s progress and consult your doctor or maternal child health nurse if you notice any of the following:
- lack of Smiling. They haven’t been smiling for 8 weeks;
- difficulty Calming. They don’t calm down, even for a little while, when you pick them up to comfort them;
- asymmetrical Strength. One side of their body seems to be stronger than the other;
- muscle Tone Issues. They’re still holding their fingers in a tight fist, are floppy, or are unusually stiff;
- lack of Startle Response. Sudden noises don’t startle them;
- feeding Problems. They aren’t feeding properly, which can affect their growth and development.
Additionally, be alert to other signs such as:
- limited Eye Contact. They don’t seem to recognize familiar faces or make eye contact;
- lack of Tracking. They don’t follow moving objects with their eyes;
- no Vocalizations. They aren’t making cooing sounds or attempting to vocalize;
- poor Head Control. They can’t hold their head up when lying on their stomach or when supported in a sitting position.
Early detection of developmental issues can lead to timely interventions that support your baby’s growth and development. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.