Congratulations! Your little one has reached the three month mark, and it’s amazing how much they have developed since birth. At this stage, your baby is becoming more social and interactive, and their movements are becoming more intentional. Here’s what you can expect from your 3 month old baby’s development:
Table of Contents
Movement and Motor Skills
By now, your baby is able to control their head and neck. They can hold their head up for longer periods of time and may even be able to push up on their arms when lying on their stomach. Your baby is also starting to develop better control of their hands and fingers. They may start to swipe at toys or even grasp them briefly. Tummy time is important to help your baby build strength in their neck, back, and shoulders.
Social and Emotional Development
Your 3 month old baby is becoming more social and interactive. They may start to smile at people they recognize, and they may even coo or make other sounds in response to your voice. Your baby is also learning about cause and effect, so they may start to repeat actions that elicit a reaction from you or their environment.
Language and Communication
While your baby isn’t speaking yet, they are starting to understand the basics of language. They may turn their head towards familiar sounds, and they may even start to babble or make consonant sounds like “ba” or “ma.” Talking to your baby and responding to their sounds can help encourage their language development.
Cognitive Development
Your 3 month old baby is starting to recognize faces and objects, and they may begin to show interest in toys or other objects around them. They are also starting to learn about cause and effect, so they may start to repeat actions that elicit a reaction from you or their environment. Simple games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake can help encourage cognitive development.
Sleep Patterns
At this age, your baby is likely sleeping for longer stretches at night, but they still need frequent naps during the day. Most 3 month old babies need 14-16 hours of sleep per day, including 8-10 hours at night and 3-4 hours of naps during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my 3 month old baby develop?
Playtime is important for your baby’s development. Encourage tummy time, play simple games, and talk to your baby to help encourage their physical, cognitive, and language development.
Is it normal for my 3 month old baby to start teething?
It’s possible for your baby to start teething at 3 months, but it’s not common. If you notice your baby drooling excessively or putting their hands or objects in their mouth more frequently, it’s possible they are experiencing teething discomfort.
How often should I be feeding my 3 month old baby?
Most 3 month old babies need to eat every 3-4 hours, or 5-6 times per day. However, every baby is different, and you should follow your baby’s cues.
When should I start introducing solid foods to my 3 month old baby?
Most babies are not ready for solid foods until they are at least 4-6 months old. Consult with your pediatrician before introducing solid foods to your baby.
What should I do if I have concerns about my 3 month old baby’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and reassurance, and they can also refer you to specialists if needed.