Congratulations on your baby’s 3-month milestone! By now, you have probably started to notice some changes in your baby’s behavior and development. At 3 months old, your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings and gaining more control over their movements. Let’s dive into some of the key developments you can expect to see in your 3-month-old baby.
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Physical Development
Your baby’s physical development will be one of the most noticeable changes at this stage. By 3 months, your baby will start to gain more control over their head movements and may even start to roll over from tummy to back. Their limbs will become more coordinated, and they will start to reach for objects and grab them using their hands.
Your baby will also start to develop more strength in their legs and may even start to bear weight on them when held upright. They will continue to gain weight and grow in length, although the rate of growth may slow down slightly compared to the previous months.
Cognitive Development
At 3 months, your baby’s cognitive development will become more apparent. They will start to recognize familiar faces and voices and respond to them with smiles, coos, and gurgles. You may even notice your baby trying to imitate sounds they hear, such as blowing raspberries or making clicking noises.
Your baby will also become more interested in their environment and may start to explore objects with their hands and mouth. They will start to develop a sense of cause and effect, understanding that actions have consequences. For example, if they shake a rattle, it will make noise.
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby’s social and emotional development will continue to progress at 3 months. They will start to smile and laugh more often, particularly in response to social interactions with caregivers. Your baby may also start to show preferences for certain people or objects, and may even start to experience separation anxiety when away from you.
At this stage, it’s important to provide your baby with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and play. This can help foster their social and emotional development and help them develop a secure attachment to you as their caregiver.
Sleep Patterns
By 3 months, your baby’s sleep patterns will start to become more regular. They may start to sleep for longer stretches at night, although they will still need to eat frequently during the day. You may notice that your baby is more alert during the day and starts to nap less frequently.
It’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine at this stage, which can include a regular bedtime and nap schedule, a calming pre-sleep routine, and a sleep environment that is conducive to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will my baby start to sit up?
A: Most babies will start to sit up on their own between 4 and 7 months of age. In the meantime, you can help your baby develop their core strength and balance by providing plenty of tummy time and supervised play on a soft, flat surface.
Q: When will my baby start to crawl?
A: Most babies will start to crawl between 6 and 10 months of age. However, some babies may skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling themselves up and walking.
Q: When will my baby start to talk?
A: Most babies will start to say their first words between 10 and 14 months of age. In the meantime, you can help your baby develop their language skills by talking to them frequently, reading to them, and singing songs.
Q: When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s important to not compare your baby to others. However, if you notice that your baby is not meeting certain developmental milestones or seems to be falling behind, talk to your pediatrician. They can help determine if there is a developmental delay or if your baby just needs more time.
Q: What can I do to support my baby’s development at 3 months?
A: There are many things you can do to support your baby’s development at 3 months. These include providing plenty of opportunities for social interaction and play, engaging in tummy time and supervised play on a flat surface, establishing a consistent sleep routine, and providing a safe and stimulating environment for your baby to explore.