As a new parent, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your baby happy. Seeing them smile for the first time, crawl for the first time, and talk for the first time are momentous achievements to celebrate. But there are also the smaller milestones, such as lifting their head and turning their face toward a familiar voice, that have a profound impact on your baby’s development.
Milestones are practical guideposts designed to help you identify and celebrate your child’s accomplishments. From birth to 5, ParentPal’s 180 research-based milestones provide you with thoroughly vetted information, giving you a wonderful way to anticipate, encourage, and celebrate your little one’s developments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of developmental milestones to look for in your 3-month old.
Social-Emotional: Recognizes mom and dad
By now, your baby is likely to recognize parents’ and caregivers’ faces, having studied them closely for a number of weeks.
Self Help: Reacts to seeing a bottle
Your baby is beginning to recognize familiar objects and mentally establishing cause-and-effect relationships. For example, the sight of a bottle or breast tells baby that it’s time to eat.
Gross Motor: Holds head steady
Your baby’s muscle control is improving—neck and shoulder muscles have strengthened to the point where baby may be able to hold his or her head steady when sitting on your lap, but not for very long. Continue to provide support to baby’s head when you notice signs of fatigue.
Fine Motor: Hold objects in hand
Your baby was born with a grasp reflex. Since birth, your baby has, for the most part, kept his or her hands closed; but now, those fists are beginning to unfold, and the hands are somewhat open and receptive to having objects placed in them.
Expressive Language: Says “ah,” “eh,” “ugh”
As an early language step, you’ll hear your baby making vowel sounds like “ah,” “eh,” and “ugh”—sounds that arise from the throat.
Things to Keep in Mind
Remember, it’s not a race and no two babies are alike. Your baby may exhibit some of these behaviors earlier or later than others. Some may simply be skipped. Milestones are meant to be helpful guideposts for parents to ensure their baby is on the right path developmentally.
If you are ever concerned about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician.
Learn more about your baby’s milestones and how you can help foster physical and cognitive development in the ParentPal app.
Want to get a jump start on what to expect next month? Check out our blog on Your Baby’s Development: Month 4.
