Reaching Milestones 3 Months

All babies have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments in your 3-month-old. Celebrate with your baby as he reaches or nears these milestones.

Cognitive

• Still nearsighted but better able to see objects at a distance
• Sees detailed patterns and begins to better discern colors
• Notices what you’re looking at and may try to follow your gaze (shared attention)
• Recognizes you from across the room
• May cry or fuss if bored
• Has improved memory; better able to make a connection between repeated behaviors and the reactions they elicit

Motor

• Holds head steady for longer periods of time
• Better able to keep head aligned with body when in a sitting position
• On stomach, rests on arms and hands to look around
• Grasps a rattle; may shake or even bring it to his mouth
• Brings hands and fingers together; looks at and plays with them
• Attempts to bring hands to mouth
• Begins to use mouth to explore objects
• Reaches for a toy and tries to bat it with legs
• Straightens legs and kicks
• Makes smoother, more coordinated movements
• May roll over from front to side
• Bears weight on legs when held upright

Communication

• Colic-related crying begins to subside
• Turns head toward sounds
• May try to imitate sounds
• Prefers the sound of human voices, especially mother’s
• Communicates needs (hunger, sleepiness) in his own consistent way
• Squeals, growls, and may even giggle

Social

• Distinguishes familiar people from strangers
• Smiles socially and in response to your smile
• Smiles to attract attention
• Imitates some of your expressions and movements
• Enjoys playing with others