3 month old baby

Baby's development at 3 months

At 3 months you may start to notice that your baby seems much more attentive and able to express themselves. Plenty of stimulation will keep their mind and body learning. Their grip is becoming stronger and when they get excited, you can usually tell. Their stronger muscles make grabbing things much easier, and you’ll soon tell when they’re excited by their gurgling and waving arms.

Other changes happening at 3 months:

Feeding

As your baby grows, so does their appetite. It’s important not to confuse the hunger that comes with this latest growth spurt as a sign that they're ready for weaning . Your baby won’t be ready until they’re at least 4 months – before then, their digestive system is not yet developed enough to process even puréed solids. Most babies aren’t ready to wean until around 6 months, so until then breast or formula milk should provide their sole source of nutrients.

Your baby’s changing appetite can be hard to keep up with and lots of mums say they often worry their baby isn’t getting enough milk, or is still hungry after a feed. Every baby is different which means there’s no set amount that’s considered ‘enough’; but listen to your baby – hungry babies tend to cry for a feed more often and will drain bottles even when you have increased the volume of milk.

If you’re breastfeeding and worried, try feeding them more frequently. Holding them close to you may also help as it will give them the chance to move towards your breast as soon as they feel hungry. However you choose to feed your baby, our expert feeding advisors and nutritionists are happy to coach you through these changes on 0800 996 1000.

Holding their head up

By now your baby’s body will have completely uncurled leaving their spine long and straight. Their strengthening neck muscles allow them to hold their head up in line with their body and they may soon be using their arms for support.

Their hands will still prove an endless source of fascination and they may try to stretch and reach for objects – although they won’t quite be able to exert the control needed to grasp them yet.

Communication

Soon your baby may begin to experiment with sounds, starting with letters like P, B and M, which can easily be made with the lips. It’s because of this that ‘mama’ and ‘papa’ are often the first words spoken by lots of babies.

Developing senses

Although loud noises may startle your baby or make them cry, your familiar voice should quickly soothe them. Their curiosity is limitless; they take a keen interest in what’s going on around them and use as many senses as they can to explore their world.

Touch is the only sense that gives your baby three things they need; a sense of safety and security, involvement with the world around them and a channel through which you can communicate with them and they can respond to you.

Stimulate your baby’s mind and body

A moving or musical mobile above your baby’s cot, placed at a level that’s just beyond reach for safety will help to strengthen your baby’s muscles as they reach up. It will also stimulate their mind as they register what’s in front of them and the affect they can have on it. Bright colours, rattles and chimes will entertain them too and are great for encouraging hand-eye coordination.

Our experts are made up of experienced mums, health visitors and feeding advisors. If you’ve got a question about how your baby is developing, give them a call on 0800 996 1000 anytime, or start an online conversation with our messaging service, Live Chat