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Milestones (by end of third month):
- Raises head and chest, supports himself on his arms when lying on his belly
- Opens and shuts her hands, brings them to her mouth, swipes at toys, grasps and shakes hand toys
- Pushes down with his legs when placed on a firm surface
- Visually, she watches faces intently, recognized familiar faces and objects, follows moving objects, and starts showing hand-eye coordination
- Smiles at the sound of your voice, begins to babble, imitates some sounds, and turns head toward sounds
Activities/Toys:
- Talk to your baby. Talk as if he understands you, and narrate your activities: “I’m putting on your shirt, now your socks, etc.”
- Tummy time. Lay the baby on his belly on the floor. Supervise tummy time several times a day for as long as your baby will stay on his belly. Try lying with him and singing, talking, playing.
- The best exercise for a baby is playing in the floor. Baby walkers and “exersaucers” should be used sparingly, and check carefully for safety.
- Hold baby and dance, sway, or take her for a walk.
- Toys with high contrast patterns, especially black and white, or bright colors. Hold toys about 8 inches from baby’s face. Move it slowly from side to side, and watch him track it with his eyes or reach for it.
- Music and wind chimes
- Mobile
- Unbreakable mirror attached securely to crib
- Soft books, bright picture books
- Sensory toys, such as those that squeak when squeezed
- Sock and wrist rattles
Ask your doctor if your baby:
- Still has Moro reflex (throws out arms and legs when startled) after 4 months
- Still has tonic neck reflex at 4 months- when the baby’s head turns to the side, the arm on that side stretches out and the other is bent up towards the baby’s head (This is called the fencing position)
- Doesn’t notice her hands by 2 months
- Doesn’t seem responsive to loud sounds
- Doesn’t smile when he hears your voice by 2 months
- Doesn’t follow moving objects with her eyes by 2-3 months
- Doesn't grasp and hold objects by 3 months
- Doesn't smile at people by 3 months
- Cannot support her head well at 3 months
- Doesn't reach for and grasp toys by 3 to 4 months
- Doesn't babble by 3 to 4 months
- Doesn't bring objects to her mouth by 4 months
- Begins babbling, but doesn't try to imitate any of your sounds by 4 months
- Doesn't push down with her legs when her feet are placed on a firm surface by 4 months
- Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
- Crosses her eyes most of the time. (Occasional crossing of the eyes is normal in these first months.)
- Doesn't pay attention to new faces, or seems very frightened by new faces or surroundings
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