Table of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! Your baby has just hit the 3-month-old milestone, and you may be wondering what to expect in terms of their development. During the first 3 months, your baby will go through a lot of changes, both physically and mentally. As a new parent, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will look at the physical, cognitive, and social developments you can expect during your baby’s first 3 months.
Physical Development
During the first 3 months, your baby will experience significant physical development. At birth, your baby’s head is about ¼ of their total body length. By 3 months, their head will still be large, but only ⅓ of their total body length. This is because their body is growing rapidly. Their length will increase by around 50%, and they will gain around 150-200 grams per week.At 3 months, your baby will start to develop more control over their movements. They will be able to lift their head and chest when lying on their tummy, and they may even attempt to roll over. They will also start to wave their arms and kick their legs more.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development during the first 3 months is all about sensory exploration. They will be learning about the world around them through their senses. At birth, your baby’s vision is blurry, and they can only see objects around 20cm away. By 3 months, their eyesight will have improved, and they will be able to track moving objects and recognise familiar faces.Your baby will also start to recognise your voice and may even respond to your facial expressions. They will start to coo and babble, which is their way of practicing communication skills.
Social Development
Your baby’s social development during the first 3 months is all about bonding. They will start to recognise familiar faces and will respond to changes in tone of voice. By 3 months, they will start to smile deliberately, and you may even get the occasional giggle.It’s important to interact with your baby as much as possible during this time. Sing to them, talk to them, and make eye contact. These small interactions can have a big impact on your baby’s social development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my 3-month-old be feeding?
Your baby should be feeding around 6-8 times per day, or around every 2-3 hours. If your baby is gaining weight and producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies, then they are likely getting enough milk.
When should my 3-month-old start sleeping through the night?
Every baby is different, but most will start sleeping through the night between 3-6 months. At this age, your baby will likely sleep around 14-15 hours per day, with around 8-10 hours of this being at night.
When should I start tummy time with my 3-month-old?
You can start tummy time with your baby from day one, but they may not enjoy it at first. By 3 months, your baby should be able to lift their head and chest when lying on their tummy, so this is a great time to start incorporating more tummy time into their routine.
When should my 3-month-old start sitting up?
Most babies will be able to sit up unsupported between 6-8 months, but every baby is different. At 3 months, your baby may be able to sit up briefly with support, but they are not yet ready to sit up on their own.
When should I be concerned about my 3-month-old’s development?
Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s important not to compare your baby to others. However, if you notice that your baby is not meeting milestones or is significantly behind in their development, then it’s important to speak to your doctor or paediatrician.
Conclusion
Watching your baby grow and develop is a truly amazing experience. During the first 3 months, your baby will go through significant changes, both physically and mentally. By understanding what to expect, you can help support your baby’s development, and enjoy this special time together.