3 Month Development
What to expect at 3 months old
Physical Development
- •Holds head steady when upright
- •Pushes up on arms during tummy time
- •Opens and closes hands more frequently
- •Brings hands together and to mouth
- •Swipes at dangling objects
- •Grasps and shakes hand toys
- •Follows moving objects smoothly with eyes
- •Kicks legs vigorously when lying on back
Cognitive Development
- •Recognizes familiar people at a distance
- •Studies faces with great interest
- •Tracks moving people with eyes
- •Shows boredom by crying or fussing
- •Begins to anticipate feeding when sees bottle or breast
- •Explores hands and fingers visually
- •Responds differently to different tones of voice
Social-Emotional
- •Smiles readily at people
- •Enjoys playing with people
- •May cry when play stops
- •Copies some movements and facial expressions
- •Shows excitement by wiggling and cooing
- •Begins to show different cries for different needs
- •Calms easily when comforted
Communication
- •Coos, makes gurgling sounds
- •Turns head toward sounds
- •Begins to "converse" by making sounds in response to you
- •Makes different sounds for different emotions
- •Smiles at sound of parent's voice
- •Vocalizes more when happy
"Is This Normal?" - Common Questions
My baby suddenly wants to feed constantly again. Is this normal?
Yes! The 3-month growth spurt is very common. Baby may cluster feed for a few days. This is temporary and helps boost milk supply if breastfeeding. Just feed on demand.
My baby drools SO much. Is this teething already?
Excessive drooling around 3 months is usually developmental, not teething. Saliva production increases and babies haven't learned to swallow it all yet. Teething typically starts 4-7 months. Keep a bib handy!
Should my baby be on a schedule yet?
Many babies naturally fall into more predictable patterns around 3 months, but strict schedules aren't necessary. Following baby's cues while maintaining consistent routines (wake time, bedtime) works well for most families.
My baby seems frustrated when trying to reach toys. Should I worry?
This is actually great! It means baby is developing awareness and desire to interact with the world. It's normal for them to be frustrated as motor skills catch up to cognitive desires. Keep offering toys just out of reach to encourage reaching.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Contact your doctor if by 3-4 months your baby:
- ⚠️Doesn't respond to loud sounds
- ⚠️Doesn't follow moving objects with eyes
- ⚠️Doesn't smile at people
- ⚠️Can't support head steadily when upright
- ⚠️Doesn't reach for or swipe at objects
- ⚠️Doesn't bring hands to mouth
- ⚠️Seems very stiff or very floppy
- ⚠️Eyes still constantly crossing (occasional is still okay)
- ⚠️Isn't vocalizing (cooing, gurgling)
These are general guidelines. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, call your doctor.
Age-Appropriate Activities & Play Ideas
Tummy Time
Baby should tolerate longer tummy time sessions now.
- →Aim for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times per day
- →Use propped pillows or nursing pillow for support
- →Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching
- →Do tummy time on your chest for bonding
Sensory Play
Exploring different textures and sensations.
- →Let baby touch different fabrics (silk, terry cloth, fleece)
- →Crinkly toys, rattles with different sounds
- →Baby-safe mirror for self-discovery
- →Gentle brushing with soft brush
Sound Games
Encouraging language development through interaction.
- →Imitate baby's coos and wait for response
- →Sing simple songs with repetition
- →Read board books with simple patterns
- →Make different sounds (clicks, pops, "raspberries")
Reaching & Grasping
Developing hand-eye coordination.
- →Hold toys just out of reach to encourage reaching
- →Offer rattles and small toys to grasp
- →Use play gym with dangling toys
- →Let baby explore your face with hands
Sleep Patterns & Expectations
- Total Sleep: 14-17 hours per day
- Night Sleep: 8-10 hours with 1-3 wakings for feeding
- Naps: 3-4 naps per day, becoming more regular
- Common Issues: Starting to differentiate day from night, longer stretches at night emerging
- What Helps: Consistent bedtime routine, drowsy but awake, white noise
- Remember: Some babies start sleeping longer stretches (4-6 hours) at night, but waking is still normal.
Feeding Guidelines
🍼 Formula Feeding
- • 4-6 oz per feeding
- • Feeding every 3-4 hours
- • About 24-32 oz per day total
- • May drop one nighttime feeding
- • Still feeding on demand, but patterns emerging
🤱 Breastfeeding
- • 6-8 feedings per 24 hours
- • Every 3-4 hours during day
- • May sleep longer stretches at night
- • Feeding becoming more efficient (shorter duration)
- • Growth spurt around 3 months
Age-Specific Safety Concerns
- Rolling Risk: Some babies start rolling around this age. Lower crib mattress, never leave on changing table.
- Grabbing: Baby can now grab - keep hot drinks, sharp objects out of reach.
- Mouth Exploration: Everything goes in mouth - ensure toys are safe, no small parts.
- Car Seat: Still rear-facing. Check weight/height limits on your seat.
- Sun Safety: Keep baby out of direct sun. Use shade, protective clothing. No sunscreen until 6 months.
- Tummy Time: Still only while awake and supervised.
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