Month 3
Your baby’s features are beginning to develop clearly this month. They are smiling, making eye contact and being more playful. Find out more below about what to expect this month.
A 3 month old baby is spending more time awake and becoming more alert and active every day. You might start noticing your baby’s little personality shining through during month three, when they’re more responsive to you and their surroundings. However, do keep in mind that every baby will hit developmental milestones at their own pace, which might be earlier or later than average. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
Here’s what to expect across the main areas of physical, motor, mental, sensory and emotional baby development in 3 months.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
During month three your baby is expected to grow by 2.5 – 4cm and gain around 900g in weight. By three months old the average baby will weigh between 5.4kg – 6.8kg, and measure between 58 – 63cm in length. Remember though that these are average amounts, and there’s usually no need to worry as long as your baby’s weight and measurements fall within a percentile range.
Many babies go through a growth spurt at around the three months old mark, when they want to feed for longer and more frequently. Don’t be tempted to start weaning your baby early as at 3 months old baby food is not recommended. WHO guidelines suggest a weaning age of six months, when baby’s digestive system has fully developed.
Your baby will be making the most of his developing strength by holding his head steady and possibly lifting his head and shoulders in a ‘mini push-up’. He might also have reached one of the most exciting 3 month milestones – rolling over!
Hopefully your baby will be nicely settled into a routine of sleeping for a good six hour stretch at night, and spending more time awake and alert during the daytime. Most three month old babies will take a few 1.5-2 hour naps a day. Don’t worry if this doesn’t sound like your baby though – some babies like their sleep more than others!
MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
By the age of three months, your baby will be starting to lose some of the infant reflexes he was born with, including the root and suck reflexes and the Moro Reflex.
They should have enough lower body strength to stretch and kick out their legs, and might also be showing signs of developing hand-eye coordination such as bringing their hands together and batting at toys.
MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Parents will be relieved to learn that, by three months old, baby should be crying less. You should be hearing them cooing, gurgling and making little vowel sounds like ‘oooh, aah and ae’ instead, as they try to communicate with you.
At this stage your baby will also be developing his recognition memory, which means he has the ability to remember pictures or toys shown to him days before. Now is a great time to introduce a variety of books to your baby, to help develop both memory and language skills.
SENSORY DEVELOPMENT
Your baby’s hearing and vision are improving all the time, and by three months your baby is likely to recognise your voice, face and even your unique scent! He might turn his face towards you or give a smile when he hears your voice.
Bright colors and contrasting patterns are still your baby’s preference, so keep this in mind when buying those first baby toys. Baby is also likely to be fascinated by his own reflection, as well as the face of anyone in his field of vision.
It’s around this time that your baby might start using his tongue to explore the feel and texture of anything that you place in his hand! Some items, like teething rings and plastic/rubber toys, can be sterilised for peace of mind, but always check the packaging for instructions.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As your baby starts to develop his own little personality, you might find that you’ve got a real charmer on your hands! Smiles and laughter are your reward for fun interactions with your baby, and you should be noticing an excited reaction when your baby sees you or someone else he knows well, like a brother or sister.
Learn about baby sleeping hours and naps >>
Don’t worry about ‘spoiling’ your baby with attention. At this stage, your baby is building trust and confidence in his care-givers, so responding quickly to his needs will help him to feel more secure.