Your 3-Month-Old Baby: Newborn No More
At three months, your baby officially becomes an infant! This milestone is marked by not only chubbier cheeks, but personality galore! Here's what else your three-month-old is up to these days.
He may not get an actual diploma, but this month marks your baby's official graduation from newborn to infant status. He's still got a lot to learn (obviously!), but one thing he definitely realizes now is there's more to life than eating, sleeping, and pooping! These days, he's likely to stay awake for longer stretches during the day and (with any luck) stay asleep for longer stretches at night. He's no doubt making you chuckle, and he's probably giggling himself by now (bring on the raspberries!) as well as bringing his little paws together (clap hands!). Some babies may even begin to bear a bit of weight on their legs, but don't worry if yours doesn't - he's just not ready and that's just fine.
One thing your 3-month-old baby is definitely ready to do is show you his budding personality. He may be serious, silly, gregarious, persnickety, or determined - the bottom line is he is who he is and he's all yours! Don't give in to the urge to compare him with other babies. His unique qualities are what make him special, just as yours do for you.
Now, besides the routine care and feeding of your little one, your job is also to stimulate his intellectual growth. That's less complicated than it sounds - singing and talking are two wonderful ways to help a baby's brain shift into high gear. Some new twists to try: Use different tones of voice as you speak, and sing songs with surprise endings ("Pop Goes the Weasel" is an oldie but goodie). When you tell a story or recite a nursery rhyme, insert your baby's name for a character's name so he gets used to hearing it in a variety of tones and situations. Another great way to increase his awareness of the world is to take him on expeditions. Go for a walk and watch him respond with glee as he watches leaves move and birds fly and listens to the sounds of dogs, cars, or just about anything that makes a noise.
At playtime, your baby's hands and fingers are still his favorite toys, but now he might be able to do more with them than just insert them in his mouth. During tummy time (which he should be becoming a pro at by now), try rolling a ball about two feet in front of him. With a little practice he'll soon be able to coordinate his hand and eye movements to reach for it. This is also the perfect time to break out a floor gym if you have one. It'll allow your baby to practice his kicks and reaches as he works on those cognitive skills (what's the colorful spinning thing and why does it jingle when I bat it?). Another thought-provoking play item: a child-safe activity mirror. Hang it on the side of his crib and you just might get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning while he entertains himself with the most amazing sight in the world - his very own face!
He may not get an actual diploma, but this month marks your baby's official graduation from newborn to infant status. He's still got a lot to learn (obviously!), but one thing he definitely realizes now is there's more to life than eating, sleeping, and pooping! These days, he's likely to stay awake for longer stretches during the day and (with any luck) stay asleep for longer stretches at night. He's no doubt making you chuckle, and he's probably giggling himself by now (bring on the raspberries!) as well as bringing his little paws together (clap hands!). Some babies may even begin to bear a bit of weight on their legs, but don't worry if yours doesn't - he's just not ready and that's just fine.
One thing your 3-month-old baby is definitely ready to do is show you his budding personality. He may be serious, silly, gregarious, persnickety, or determined - the bottom line is he is who he is and he's all yours! Don't give in to the urge to compare him with other babies. His unique qualities are what make him special, just as yours do for you.
Now, besides the routine care and feeding of your little one, your job is also to stimulate his intellectual growth. That's less complicated than it sounds - singing and talking are two wonderful ways to help a baby's brain shift into high gear. Some new twists to try: Use different tones of voice as you speak, and sing songs with surprise endings ("Pop Goes the Weasel" is an oldie but goodie). When you tell a story or recite a nursery rhyme, insert your baby's name for a character's name so he gets used to hearing it in a variety of tones and situations. Another great way to increase his awareness of the world is to take him on expeditions. Go for a walk and watch him respond with glee as he watches leaves move and birds fly and listens to the sounds of dogs, cars, or just about anything that makes a noise.
At playtime, your baby's hands and fingers are still his favorite toys, but now he might be able to do more with them than just insert them in his mouth. During tummy time (which he should be becoming a pro at by now), try rolling a ball about two feet in front of him. With a little practice he'll soon be able to coordinate his hand and eye movements to reach for it. This is also the perfect time to break out a floor gym if you have one. It'll allow your baby to practice his kicks and reaches as he works on those cognitive skills (what's the colorful spinning thing and why does it jingle when I bat it?). Another thought-provoking play item: a child-safe activity mirror. Hang it on the side of his crib and you just might get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning while he entertains himself with the most amazing sight in the world - his very own face!