The first three months can be a whirlwind of emotions for parents as they adjust to many changes happening in their routine, as well as their baby. As you adjust to your baby’s routines, you might be wondering, “What should my baby be doing at this age?”
Worry not, since we have decoded some important milestones that you can look out for in a 3-month-old baby. However, even if they miss out on some of the milestones, do not worry, since every child develops at their own pace.
What are the milestones to expect by 0-3 months?
Let us look at some milestones that can be expected from 0-3 months:
0 months:
The baby sucks on anything that reaches the tip of their mouth. Most of the time, they would suck on their thumb/finger.
The baby closes their finger tightly when something touches their arm.
- Sudden noise may cause them to move their arms or legs.
Turns their head towards anything that touches their cheek.
1 month:
Briefly lifts head (their head might still wobble).
They can fix their gaze on objects or people’s faces for a short period.
Suck on their hands or fingers.
Might respond briefly to familiar sounds or voices.
2 months:
Can hold their head up (better control over head movements).
Able to open and close their hands more often.
Recognizes parents/caregivers.
Curious about sounds, objects, places, and people.
3 months:
The baby would be able to recognize familiar voices and faces. They might respond by following you with their eyes or smiling at you.
The baby can slowly move their head to follow you or moving objects.
Babies can open and close their hands. They can also slowly grasp objects for a brief period of time.
Babies can cry to communicate whether they are irritated or hungry. They might even use facial expressions or gestures to talk.
Your baby might lie on their tummy and roll their arms to the side. They might even try to stand/walk, if you hold them in a standing position.
When you provide support to your baby to sit, they may try to control their head movements.
When should you be concerned?
Let us look at some red flags in a baby’s developmental journey:
Is crying too much and does not stop.
Does not make eye contact.
They do not feed themselves well.
Is not reacting to sounds.
Unusually very clumsy or stiff body movements.
Sleeps more than required for a newborn (More than 20 hours is cause for concern).
If you suspect any red flags, trust your gut instincts and approach a pediatrician. Early intervention and support can be greatly beneficial.
Conclusion:
The first 3 months can be extremely hectic, but do not worry, you have got this! The first smile, the coos, and the cuddles are all worth it and part of their milestone. Remember, milestones are guidelines, not deadlines! So enjoy your baby’s beautiful journey!
