Your Baby, Month-by-Month: Month 3 ~ "Look Mom, I’ve Got Feet!"

By the third month, your baby has emerged from a sleepy newborn to a cooing, alert infant! She has also discovered her appendages and will now flail them to her heart’s content! She is quickly becoming more interactive and loves to watch your face.

Big Brother at 3 months

Besides lots of rockin’-and-a-rollin’ of the arms and legs, here’s what else you can expect by the end of the third month:

• Sleeping: Your baby is probably on a more predictable routine by now, taking at least 3 naps each day. She might even sleep 7-8 continuous hours at night!
• Vision: By now, your baby is able to see a full range of colors! His distance vision is developing as well…you might notice him following you with his eyes as you walk across the room or studying an object several feet away. He’ll also recognize faces and might get upset when he realizes the face of the person holding him is not you. :)
• Hearing: Your baby will now smile when she hears your voice. She might begin cooing and babbling and turning her head towards the direction of a sound.
• Motor Development:  Until now, your baby’s hands have probably stayed tightly clenched. Now his hands will relax and his arms will open outward. He’ll probably attempt to put his hands in his mouth, though he may not be successful for another month or so. He will probably be able to raise his head and chest (at least partially) while lying on his stomach and support his upper body with his arms.
• Cool Tricks: Your baby will now be able to hold her head up while on her stomach at a 45-degree angle (or more). She might also bring both of her hands together, laugh out loud, squeal in delight, roll over (one way), or reach for an object.

Little Brother at 3 months–flailing those arms!

• Continue Tummy Time: By now, your baby should be on her tummy for at least 30 minutes each day while she is awake. This is very important for the strengthening of her neck and back muscles, which will eventually help her to sit up.
• Rattles:  Now that your baby no longer keeps her fist tightly clenched, she is ready to begin grasping a rattle! Place a lightweight rattle in her palm and see if she’ll grip it. She might even shake it!

• Dangling Toys:  Dangle toys above your baby’s head but within his reach. As he lies on his back, let him try to swipe it as you move it around. You can also connect

• Sing songs. Make up silly songs just for your baby, sing hymns, sing nursery rhymes…just sing! Your baby will love hearing your voice (no matter how terrible of a singer you are). :)  If you are still uncomfortable singing to your baby, borrow some CD’s of music from friends and family or check out some from the library.
• Use a mobile or play gym. Having a mobile secured to her crib is a great way to promote tracking. If you have a crib that mobiles will not attach to (like us), you can also use a play gym similar to this one during “awake” time to help with tracking.
• Read to your baby!!! This is so important and something you can start from the first day you bring your baby home. Your little one will love to hear your voice–the natural rhythm and flow you use when reading aloud. Your baby will also love to look at the bright, colorful pictures. Cloth books are perfect for babies of this age as they will enjoy feeling the different textures.

Ask your doctor if your baby:

• Doesn’t seem to respond to loud sounds.
• Doesn’t hold head up 45 degrees while lying on her stomach
• Doesn’t notice her hands.
• Doesn’t follow an object held up about 6 inches from the face from one side of his head to the midline.
• Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions.
• Doesn’t smile at people.
• Doesn’t grasp and hold an object.
• Doesn’t babble or coo.
• Still throws her arms out when awakens or hears a loud noise (called the Moro reflex) by 4 months.

Your turn:

• Do you have any questions? Leave a comment!
• Likewise, veteran parents…feel free to chime in with anything I forgot to cover or with any tips you may have.

References:

Shelvov, S.P., Hannemann, R.E., & Trubo, R. (2004). The American Academy of Pediatrics: Complete and Authoritative Guide for Caring for Your Baby and Young Child. Bantam Books.

*The above book is a resource my dad, a family physician, gives to every patient who is a new parent. It is a wonderful resource!

Eisenberg, A., Murkoff, H.E., & Hathaway, S.E. (1996). What to Expect the First Year. Workman Publishing Company: New York.

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Reisser, P.C. (2007). Baby & Child Care: From Pre-Birth through the Teen Years (Focus on the Family Complete Guides). Tyndale House Publishers: Carol Stream, IL.

Please Note: This post is for informational (and entertainment) purposes only. I am not a doctor! Be sure to talk to your doctor regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding your baby.