Congratulations on completing the third-month milestone. By now both the baby and parents are a bit settled in this new journey of their lives.
Here is the guide for baby development in continuation with the first one.
- By this time the busyness of the new-born stage starts to settle into a pattern. Babies should be nursed 6 – 8 times a day if bottle-fed and have 4 – 6 ounces every 3 – 4 weeks. Sometimes indications of starting solids may also be given. Some signs of the baby-led weaning to watch for include head control, forward-leaning when a spoon is brought near the face, opening mouth, and mimicking your movements. They are light sleepers and may awaken frequently. They can be allowed pacifiers provided hygiene is taken care of.
Milestones: Babies have developed the ability to roll front to back and can sit up with support. They start reaching for objects with one hand. They can mimic facial expressions and language (sounds). They also develop different cries for hunger, sleep, tired, etc.
Doctor’s Visit: Although there are no scheduled visits at this time, one can always go to check on growth & development if any concerns. A routine visit is scheduled for 6 months. Illness and GI tract related issues may be a reason for a visit.
Signs of Worry: Babies should definitely smile a lot and their weight should increase by 50% as compared to their birth weight. They should be able to sit up with support. A bulging soft spot in the center of the head (Fontanelle) should not be present.
The infant is now learning its place in the family. There may be many cues to start solids and love to interact so talking and reading should be done to develop the brains. They also love their tummy time.
Milestones: Babies can hold their heads straight up and sit for longer times. They may extend their hand when you are nearer. They can laugh, giggle, and cry when you leave the room or blow raspberries. Everything goes into their mouth for exploring. They also learn about action and reaction.
Doctor’s Visit: Usually a doctor’s visit is not required. A nutritionist or pediatrician may be visited in regard to starting complementary foods.
Signs of Worry: Baby should sit with support and should be able to express happiness/sadness through vocal cues. They should kick and be able to open fingers. They should seem interested in the surroundings and should start recognizing you.
- Your baby can coordinate its body better. It can communicate happiness
and sadness and start to recognize parents, siblings, and caregivers. Solids should be introduced and water should be offered in a Sippy cup at this time.
Milestones: Your baby can roll front to back now and get into a crawling position. There is a lot of babbling and squealing and may understand the tone of your voice. They like to look at themselves in the mirror. They may also begin to rise momentarily without support.
Doctor’s Visit: Flu shots and oral polio are given during the doctor’s visit at this time. Doctors may also ask a lot of questions about development and chart the growth milestones of the baby. Food-related questions and a history of allergies may be discussed as well.
Signs of Worry: Baby must show signs of affection to the caregiver. It should not have difficulty taking things to the mouth. It should also not seem very stiff/floppy like a rag doll. It should express squeals and vocal sounds of joy. It should also show interest in its surroundings and must respond to sounds around him/her.
Here we complete our baby development guide for first 2 quarters. Happpppie Parenting 🤗