3 Month Milestones: A Guide for New Parents
Hi there, readers!
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! The first three months of your baby’s life are an exciting and transformative time. As your little one grows and develops, there are several milestones you can look out for. Let’s explore what to expect during this special period.
Physical Development Milestones
Neck and Head Control
At around 3 months, your baby will start to gain control over their head and neck. They’ll be able to lift their head off the surface for a few seconds when lying on their tummy. They’ll also enjoy exploring the world from different angles by turning their head from side to side.
Grip Reflex
Your baby’s grip reflex is strong during the first few months. When you place something in their palm, they’ll instinctively grasp it. This reflex helps them with self-soothing, as they can suck on their fingers or toys.
Cognitive Development Milestones
Smiling and Cooing
Around 3 months, your baby will start to smile socially. They’ll smile back at you, their siblings, or anyone else who catches their eye. They’ll also begin to coo and make other vowel-like sounds, a precursor to babbling.
Object Permanence
At 3 months, your baby will not yet understand that objects continue to exist even when they can’t see them. This concept, known as object permanence, will develop over time.
Social and Emotional Development Milestones
Interaction
Your baby will become increasingly interested in interacting with you and others. They’ll smile, coo, and make eye contact when you talk or play with them. They’ll also enjoy being held and cuddled.
Stranger Anxiety
At around 3 months, your baby may start to experience stranger anxiety. They’ll become wary of people they don’t know and may cry when they approach. This is a normal part of their development, as they begin to recognize familiar faces.
Feeding Milestones
Breastfeeding
At 3 months, your baby will likely be breastfeeding or bottle-feeding every 3-4 hours. They’ll be consuming around 24-32 ounces of milk per day.
Solids
Your baby is not yet ready for solid foods at 3 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends introducing solids around 4-6 months of age.
Sleep Milestones
Naps
At 3 months, your baby will likely be taking 3-4 naps per day. They’ll usually sleep for 1-2 hours each nap.
Nighttime Sleep
Your baby will probably still be waking up at night to feed. However, they may start to sleep for longer stretches between feedings, around 4-6 hours.
Milestones Chart
| Development Area | 3 Month Milestones |
|---|---|
| Physical | Lifts head and neck, grasps objects |
| Cognitive | Smiles socially, coos, no object permanence |
| Social and Emotional | Interacts with others, stranger anxiety |
| Feeding | Breastfeeds or bottle-feeds every 3-4 hours, no solids |
| Sleep | 3-4 naps per day, 1-2 hours each, wakes at night to feed |
Remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, be sure to consult your pediatrician.
Conclusion
The 3 month milestones mark an exciting time in your baby’s life. As they continue to grow and learn, you’ll cherish these special moments. For more information on baby development, check out our articles on 4 Month Milestones and 6 Month Milestones.
FAQ about 3 Month Milestones
What are the physical milestones my baby should reach by 3 months?
- Holds head up and steady when tummy down
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Can reach for and grasp toys
- Brings hands to mouth
What are the cognitive milestones my baby should reach by 3 months?
- Responds to sounds
- Recognizes familiar faces and objects
- Shows interest in exploring new things
- Begins to babble
What are the social and emotional milestones my baby should reach by 3 months?
- Smiles and makes eye contact
- Interacts with others through facial expressions and vocalizations
- Shows affection towards caregivers
How can I support my baby’s physical development?
- Provide tummy time often
- Encourage reaching and grasping
- Offer age-appropriate toys
How can I support my baby’s cognitive development?
- Talk to your baby often
- Read books and sing songs
- Play with toys that encourage exploration
How can I support my baby’s social and emotional development?
- Respond to your baby’s cues
- Engage in play and conversation
- Provide a loving and supportive environment
What if my baby is not meeting some of these milestones?
- Don’t be concerned if your baby is not meeting every milestone at exactly 3 months
- Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns
When should I worry if my baby is not meeting any of these milestones?
- If your baby is not making progress in any area, consult with your healthcare provider immediately
Are there any variations in milestones based on gender?
- Generally, there are no significant variations in milestones based on gender
What can I expect in the next few months?
- Your baby will continue to develop rapidly in all areas
- Prepare for new milestones, such as sitting up and crawling
