Reviewed by: Dr. Travis Satnarine BSc. MBBS.

Getting to month three is joyous, maybe it is because you are finally getting the hang of things, you have survived the first set of vaccines and the weeks of colic will be coming to an end.

During this month you will begin to see your baby’s personality shining through, your baby has filled out and gained some more weight. He is starting to look more like the babies you see on commercials.

For many moms you may be preparing to go back out to work, it’s a good idea to start expressing breastmilk early, so you can freeze it and have a good supply for whoever is taking care of your baby.

Baby’s growth and development

By the third month, your baby’s eye coordination has tremendously developed. Your baby can easily follow an object with his eyes and is able to maintain eye contact for a longer time.

You will observe that your baby is now showing emotions like happiness, anger, and even fear. It is important for the baby to see your facial expressions too as he can mirror your expressions. The baby may be attempting to or is able to roll over. He may be drooling a lot and trying to put everything in his mouth.

By three months, a baby boy weighs approximately double his birth weight, the most important thing is that your baby is growing at a rate that is healthy. If you feel concerned be sure to talk to your health care professionals.

Remember when we told you tummy time is important, during this month you will the benefits. Tummy time has helped to strengthen your baby’s muscles and if you’re a yoga fan, your baby may be assuming a pose that you are familiar with the Baby Cobra. During tummy time, your baby can raise his chest off the floor and lift his head, he is getting stronger, but still, always support his neck and back.

Milestones

Smiles and imitates facial expressions

Knows his parents

Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy

• Milestones are just a guide; babies do different things are different times. If you have concerns talk about them at the next visit with your pediatrician.

Health Care

Although you may not have a visit scheduled with the pediatrician for this month, keep his number handy just in case you need to reach out to him. In the meantime, remember to take note of any changes you notice in Baby’s routine and health, keep writing those questions to take to the next visit.

The fontanel on the back of your baby’s head usually disappears by this month.

Interesting things about Month 3

Baby is getting into that routine you have been working so hard on, keep at it.

Baby can now make circular movements with his arms and he is now able to relax those fists and hold on to something.

Your Baby is now able to stay awake and sleep for longer periods.

You may have noticed by now that baby cries, but you never see tears, he won’t until months seven or eight.

Your baby recognized the people around him, faces, and voices.

Advice for Moms & New Parents

This is a good time to introduce your baby to a rattle as he/she is holding on to things and exploring new sounds. Speak to the baby more – sing to him, play games, and truly look at baby, making eye contact with him more frequently.

Since your baby is becoming more active, he may be reaching out and grabbing hold of items, rolling around, so be sure to keep your baby safe. Keep him on flat surfaces, that are not high and always strapped in for safety.

Colic should be coming to an end, so you can look forward to less crying, teething comes next.

Look for toys to keep your baby occupied, be sure these toys are safe for a three-month-old.

This is also a month to transition your baby if mom is heading back out to work. Take the time to enjoy the baby but also prepare for the coming change. Consider how the baby will be fed, secure a day-care you are comfortable with, develop a working schedule with your partner, and do checklists of all the things so your baby can be cared for adequately.

Expressing breastmilk and freezing is a good idea.

Reminders for this month:

• Look into toys and games for a 3-month-old baby.
• Ensure that you have scheduled and confirmed Baby’s four-month check-up.
• If you are heading back into the world of work, stay calm and get things in order – emergency contact numbers for the babysitter, clothing for you and baby, meals, and medication if needed. Be sure to leave the sitter with proper instructions – when baby eats, sleeps, plays, and so on.
• Remember to take Baby’s 3-month-old photo. You may realize that investing in that camera you saw while shopping is a great idea.