In the third month, a baby’s developmental strides are evident. Head control improves, and infants engage more socially, expressing themselves with smiles and cooing. The grasping reflex emerges, allowing them to hold onto objects. Eye-tracking skills advance, enabling them to follow moving objects. Tummy time becomes more comfortable, strengthening neck muscles. Sleep patterns may show predictability, with longer night stretches. Each baby’s pace varies, so consulting a pediatrician for personalized guidance is crucial to ensure healthy progress during this transformative stage of development.

What are the Baby’s Development and Milestones on the 3rd Month

At 3 months old, babies experience significant developmental milestones and changes in their growth. Here are some key milestones and developmental aspects for a 3-month-old baby:

Physical Development

  • By 3 months, babies have better control of their head movements and can hold their heads up when sitting up. They may roll from their front to their back, lift their head, or push up their chest with their hands during tummy time

Social Development

  • Your baby will start to recognize and interact with you, responding to your presence with smiles and possibly even talking back to you
  • Baby babbling becomes more pronounced

Sensory Development

  • Babies at this age react to loud noises and show more curiosity in their environment
  • Their ability to visually track moving objects or people also improves during the third month

Feeding

  • At this stage, babies may eat every 2-3 hours, and their eating patterns may be more predictable

Sleeping Patterns

  • By 3 months, babies may sleep for longer stretches at night, often sleeping for 5-6 hours at a time

Cognitive Development

  • Your baby’s vision is improving, and they will start to reach out for objects as their arm and hand muscles develop
  • Babies become more attuned to familiar faces, especially those of primary caregivers

What are the activities needed to Support your 3-month-old baby’s development

Reaching for Toys

  • Lay your baby on their back or tummy and hold toys out for them to reach. This helps with fine motor skills development

Tummy Time

  • Continue with regular tummy time to strengthen your baby’s neck and upper body. This will help them develop the muscles they’ll need later to sit and crawl

Singing and Talking

  • Engage your baby by talking to them, making eye contact, and singing to them. This helps with language development and bonding

Playing with Colorful Toys

  • Provide your baby with colorful toys that are visually stimulating. This can help with sensory exploration and cognitive development

Tactile Stimulation

  • Encourage your baby to touch and feel different textures, such as soft blankets or toys with different surfaces

Reading Picture Books

  • Reading picture books to your baby can help with language development and auditory stimulation

Playing Peek-a-Boo

  • Playing peek-a-boo with your baby can help with social and emotional development

How to Feed Your 3-Month-Old Baby

Feeding a 3-month-old baby involves both breast milk and formula, and the frequency of feedings may become less frequent than in the early newborn days. Here are some general guidelines for feeding a 3-month-old baby:

Breastfeeding 

  • The baby may feed every 3 to 4 hours and nurse for about 15 minutes on each breast
  • Ensure a good latch by bringing your baby to your breast, ensuring they take a good mouthful of breast tissue
  • Pay attention to your baby’s sucking patterns. They should have rhythmic sucks and swallows

Formula Feeding

  • Formula-fed babies also will eat every 3 to 4 hours and may take anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces depending on their age
  • Follow the recommended formula preparation guidelines, using clean bottles and nipples
  • Hold the bottle at a slight angle to prevent air intake, which can lead to gas

Feeding Schedule

  • Your baby’s feedings will be less frequent, about 6 to 8 feedings in 24 hours

Growth Spurts

  • Your baby’s appetite will increase during growth spurts. Continue to feed on demand and increase the number of feedings as needed

Feeding Cues 

  • Pay attention to your baby’s signals of hunger and fullness
  • Incorporate skin-to-skin contact during and after feeding

How Much Sleep Does Your 3-Month-Old Baby Need

Sleep patterns can vary among babies, but on average, a 3-month-old baby needs about 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day. This sleep is typically divided between nighttime sleep and naps throughout the day.

Nighttime Sleep

  • Most 3-month-old babies sleep in longer stretches at night compared to the earlier weeks. On average, they might sleep for about 8 to 10 hours at night.

Daytime Naps

  • Throughout the day, your baby will still need to take multiple naps. These naps can range from 3 to 5 naps, each lasting around 30 minutes to 2 hours. The total daytime sleep can amount to 6 to 7 hours.

Day in the Life of a 3-Month-Old Baby

Feeding

  • Breastfeeding: Every 3-4 hours and nurse for about 15 minutes on each breast
  • Formula Feeding: Every 3-4 hours and may take anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces depending on age
  • Feeding Schedule: About 6-8 feedings in 24 hours

Sleeping

  • 14-17 hours of sleep in 24 hours
  • 3-4 hours naps during the day

Bathing

  • Babies need to be bathed about 2-3 times a week
  • The water should be around 100°F (37.8°C)
  • Test the water with a bath thermometer, your elbow, or your wrist to make sure it’s warm but not hot

Changing Diapers

  • Diaper changed typically 8-10 times a day
  • Use wipes to clean your baby’s bottom

Playing

  • Engage your baby in singing and clapping songs like “Pat-a-cake” or other action songs for babies
  • Dance with your baby or move your baby’s legs in a pedaling motion
  • Make different facial expressions for your baby to imitate, which helps in language development and social skills

Fun Facts

  • They are becoming more interactive and may start to smile and coo in response to your voice and actions
  • At this age, babies are beginning to track people and toys with their eyes and learn that their smiles can elicit a response from others

Baby’s Health at 3-Month-Old

Growth 

  • Regularly monitor your baby’s growth, including weight, length, and head circumference. Well-baby checkups with the pediatrician provide valuable insights into their development.

Physical Development

  • By this age, your baby should have better control of their head movements and start to hold their head up when sitting up. They may also begin to roll over from their front to their back and push up their chest with their hands during tummy time

Interaction and Social Development

  • Encourage. social interaction by talking, singing, and playing with your baby. They are becoming more responsive to faces and voices, contributing to their emotional and social development.

Diapering and Hygiene Practices

  • Maintain good diapering practices to prevent diaper rash. Use fragrance-free wipes, change diapers promptly, and ensure the diaper area is clean and dry.
  • Monitor your baby’s eyes for any signs of discharge or redness. While ears typically don’t require cleaning, be attentive to any signs of discomfort or issues.
  • Continue using gentle, fragrance-free baby products for skincare. Dress your baby in breathable fabrics to prevent overheating and be mindful of any skin sensitivities.

Common Health Concerns

  • Feeding Challenges. Some babies may experience feeding challenges, such as difficulty latching or feeding too quickly. Ensure a comfortable and calm environment during feedings, and consult with your pediatrician if you notice any persistent issues.
  • Digestive Issues. Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, and issues like gas, colic, or reflux can arise. Burp your baby after feedings, keep them upright for a while, and consider discussing symptoms with your healthcare provider.
  • Sleep Patterns. Sleep regression may occur around the 3-month mark, affecting your baby’s sleep patterns. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and provide a comfortable sleep environment to support healthy sleep habits.
  • Skin Conditions. Some babies may develop skin conditions like eczema or cradle cap. Use gentle, baby-friendly skincare products and consult with your pediatrician for appropriate care and treatment options.
  • Vaccination, Stay on top of your baby’s vaccination schedule. At three months, they may require additional vaccinations. Regular immunizations are crucial for protecting your baby from various illnesses.
  • Respiratory Infections. Infants are more susceptible to respiratory infections. Ensure a smoke-free environment, practice good hand hygiene, and be cautious about exposing your baby to individuals with illnesses to reduce the risk of infections.
  • Hydration. Monitor your baby’s hydration, especially during warmer months. Ensure they are getting sufficient fluids, either through breastfeeding or formula, and watch for signs of dehydration.

Items Needed on the 3rd Month of Your Baby

Feeding Supplies

  • Bottles and nipples (if bottle-feeding)
  • Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
  • Burp cloths
  • Bibs

Diapering Essentials

  • Diapers (consider sizing up as your baby grows)
  • Wipes
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Changing pad

Clothing

  • Onesies and sleepers
  • Socks and booties
  • Hats for warmth

Sleeping Gear

  • Crib or bassinet
  • Fitted sheets
  • Swaddle blankets
  • Sleep sacks

Health and Safety

Play and Development

  • Soft toys and rattles
  • Tummy time mat
  • Baby mirror
  • Interactive baby books

Baby Bath Essentials

  • Baby bathtub
  • Gentle baby soap and shampoo
  • Soft hooded towels

Laundry Supplies

  • Baby-friendly laundry detergent
  • Stain remover for baby clothes

Parental Comfort

  • Baby Carrier
  • Sling
  • Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
  • Comfortable chair for feeding and bonding
  • Postpartum self-care items for parents

Life as a Parent on Baby’s 3rd Month

Entering the third month of parenthood brings a blend of familiarity and discoveries. As sleep patterns gradually become more predictable, there is a sense of relief for tired parents. The baby’s social interaction skills are blossoming, marked by intentional smiles and attempts to mimic facial expressions. Growing curiosity is evident as the little one shows heightened interest in colorful toys and surroundings. Building on the progress of previous months, neck muscles strengthen, allowing for improved head control during tummy time. Communication becomes more responsive through coos and gurgles, strengthening the parent-child bond. Tummy time activities continue to be crucial for physical development, and hand-eye coordination leaps as babies reach for and grasp objects. Feeding patterns evolve, and some babies display self-soothing skills, finding comfort in thumb-sucking or favorite blankets. Navigating the challenges and joys of the third month, parents are encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek support, embracing the evolving journey of early parenthood.

Checklist for the 3rd Month of Your Baby

Feeding Schedule

  • Stick to a consistent feeding routine, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding.
  • Monitor feeding patterns and consult with your pediatrician about any concerns.

Sleeping Habits

  • Establish a bedtime routine to help your baby recognize sleep cues.
  • Ensure a safe sleeping environment, by placing your baby on their back.

Tummy Time

  • Introduce tummy time sessions to encourage neck and upper body strength.
  • Gradually increase tummy time duration as your baby becomes more comfortable.

Health Check

  • Schedule a well-baby checkup with your pediatrician.
  • Stay updated on vaccinations and discuss any health concerns.

Bonding Time

  • Engage in interactive play and bonding activities.
  • Respond promptly to your baby’s cues and provide comfort.

Socializing

  • Gradually expose your baby to gentle social interactions.
  • Monitor their reactions and adjust exposure accordingly.

Last Updated on January 15, 2024