Your baby is three months old—can you believe how much they’ve already grown? This month is full of exciting changes, like lifting their head and chest during tummy time, smiling more intentionally, and even batting at toys with those little hands. These milestones are signs of their growing strength, coordination, and curiosity about the world around them.
As a mom, understanding these changes helps you bond with your baby and support their development in simple, meaningful ways. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about enjoying the journey and celebrating these special moments together.
Here’s a closer look at what your baby is learning and how you can encourage their growth this month!
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3 Month Old Baby Physical Development Milestones
Your baby is reaching exciting physical milestones this month, and it’s such a joy to watch them grow stronger and more coordinated. Every little movement is helping them build the foundation for bigger things ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at your baby’s physical changes at 3 months:
Improved Head and Chest Control
Your baby is getting stronger every day and can now lift their head and chest during tummy time. These little push-ups aren’t just cute—they’re building the neck and shoulder muscles they’ll need for sitting up and crawling later.
Early Teething Signs
While teething typically starts later at 4-7 months old, some babies begin showing early signs around three months. If your baby is drooling more than usual or constantly chewing on their hands or toys, they could be in the early stages of teething.
Tummy Time Progress
Tummy time is becoming an adventure now that your baby is more curious and engaged. Some might start early reaching, grasping, or grabbing toys you place nearby or even rolling over from tummy to back at three months, although this milestone typically begins at 4-7 months.
Kicking and Batting Movements
Those little arms and legs are becoming much more active! You’ll notice your baby kicking purposefully during playtime or batting at toys with growing precision.
Stronger Grip and Hand Movements
This month, your baby’s tiny hands are starting to grasp with more strength and intention. They might hold onto your finger a little tighter or even clutch a small toy for a few moments.
Growth Spurts and Physical Changes
Around this age, many babies experience growth spurts, and you may notice their weight and length increasing quickly. With this rapid growth comes extra feedings, naps, and the energy needed to master all these exciting new skills.
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3 Month Old Baby Cognitive And Sensory Milestones
Three months marks exciting progress in their cognitive and sensory development, as they start recognizing familiar faces, responding to your voice, and even sharing those heart-melting coos and smiles.
These moments are a beautiful sign of your baby’s growing connection with you and their surroundings.
Recognizing Faces and Responding to Voices
Your baby is becoming more aware of familiar faces and voices. They might light up when they see you or respond to your voice with little coos or babbles.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Your baby’s ability to track objects with their eyes is improving, and they may start reaching for toys or objects within their line of sight.
Improving Fine Motor Skills
You may notice your baby attempting to grasp toys, their own hands, or even your fingers. These small but intentional movements show progress in their fine motor skills.
Advancements in Hearing and Vision
Your baby’s sensory awareness is becoming more refined. They are learning to distinguish between different sounds and might turn their head toward the source of a voice or noise. Their vision is also sharpening, with increased interest in vibrant colors like red and yellow, high-contrast patterns, and moving objects.
3 Month Old Baby Communication And Social Milestones
Your baby is starting to find their voice—literally! At three months, those sweet coos and gurgles are becoming part of your daily soundtrack. They’re not just adorable; they’re your baby’s first steps into the world of communication.
Early Vocalizations and Cooing
By now, your baby is cooing up a storm, experimenting with new sounds that go beyond crying. These little noises are their way of “talking” to you, and it’s such a special stage.
Babbling and Sound Exploration
Before you know it, those coos may turn into babbling. Your baby is starting to explore their voice and connect different sounds, laying the foundation for language.
Social Smiles
Is there anything better than when your baby flashes you a big, genuine smile? At three months, these social smiles become more frequent, and they’re often in response to your voice, touch, or funny faces. It’s their way of saying, “I see you, and I love you!”
Eye Contact
Your baby is starting to lock eyes with you more often now, whether during feedings, playtime, or just quiet moments together. That deep gaze is their way of connecting with you on a whole new level.
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3 Month Old Baby Emotional Development Milestones
By now, your baby’s personality is starting to shine, and it’s such a joy to see them becoming more expressive and interactive. This stage is all about deepening their emotional connections and building relationships.
Expressiveness and Social Smiles
At three months, your baby is starting to engage with the world in new ways. Their smiles aren’t just reflexes anymore—they’re genuine, social smiles, often lighting up when they see your face or hear your voice. You might even hear their first giggle, which is such a heartwarming milestone.
Imitation and Emotional Connection
You’ll notice your baby starting to mimic simple movements or expressions, like sticking out their tongue or raising their eyebrows. This imitation is their way of bonding with you and learning how to connect emotionally. It’s incredible how these small gestures help strengthen your relationship.
Emotional Responses to Play and Interaction
Your baby is starting to understand more about social interactions. They might cry when a fun game ends or fuss when a favorite person leaves the room. These reactions are signs of their growing awareness and attachment, which are important steps in developing empathy and understanding.
Tips For Parents Of A 3 Month Old Child
This is an exciting time, but it’s also normal to have questions about how to best support your little one. Let’s discuss some helpful tips to guide you through this stage.
Keep Up with Health and Safety
Routine check-ups with your pediatrician are important to monitor your baby’s growth and development. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and use these visits to discuss any concerns you might have. At home, create a safe space for your baby to play and explore by keeping areas clutter-free and baby-proofing anything within reach.
Establish a Sleep Schedule
Sleep may be getting a bit easier by now, as many 3-month-olds begin sleeping for stretches of 6–7 hours at night. Setting a consistent bedtime routine—like a warm bath, gentle lullaby, or story—can help them learn to differentiate between daytime and nighttime. Creating a calm environment before bedtime also makes those precious long stretches of sleep more likely.
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Focus on Feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, it’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition. Pay attention to their feeding schedule and learn to spot hunger cues, like sucking on their hands or rooting. If you’re unsure about feeding amounts or schedules, your pediatrician can help you make adjustments to meet your baby’s needs.
Encourage Active Play
Daytime is a great time for your baby to move and explore. Gentle tummy time, reaching for toys, or even just kicking their legs during play can help develop their muscles and coordination. Keep activities fun and simple—your baby loves interacting with you, and even your voice or a favorite toy can keep them engaged and learning.
Create a Baby-Safe Environment
Your little one is starting to explore their surroundings, even if they aren’t mobile just yet. Take a quick look around your home to ensure everything is safe and secure. Keep play areas clean and free of hazards, and always supervise tummy time and other activities. A little preparation now helps your baby safely enjoy their growing curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a baby be doing at 3 months?
Your 3-month-old will start to show increased hand-eye coordination by reaching for objects and may begin grasping toys. They will be more aware of their surroundings and show interest in exploring their environment.
How long should tummy time be at 3 months?
Aim for about 20 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day. You can split this into shorter sessions throughout the day to help strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
Can a 3 month old sit up?
At this age, most babies cannot sit up unassisted. You might notice your baby trying to lift their head during tummy time or trying to sit up, but it does not necessarily mean they are ready to sit unsupported. They might be practicing to hold their heads and improve their neck strength.
What is the ideal weight for 3 months baby?
By 3 months, a baby's weight can vary widely. On average, female babies might weigh between 11 to 14 pounds, and male babies might weigh between 12 to 15 pounds. It's important to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
How do I know if my 3 month old is healthy?
Regular well-baby visits provide insights into your baby's health. Signs of good health include steady weight gain, alertness, and interaction with people and surroundings. Look for wet diapers and consistent feeding patterns as indicators.
What should a 3 month old's sleep schedule look like?
A typical sleep schedule for a 3-month-old includes about 14-17 hours of sleep per day, including nighttime sleep and several naps. Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help promote longer stretches of sleep at night.
