Month 3
Key points
- You may notice that your baby is starting to gain more control when they lift their head or when they reach for toys.
- Babies at three months typically sleep 11–16 hours a day, including longer nighttime stretches.
- Omega-3 DHA in breast milk helps support brain, eye and neural development during these important early months.
Three months is an exciting time in babies’ development. Your baby is more alert to the world around them, giving happy smiles and endless babbles. Breast milk or infant formula (or mixed feeding) is still their sole source of nutrition, and you may be experiencing longer stretches of sleep overnight and, during the day, your baby may be awake for longer periods.
In three months, your body may have adapted to the broken sleep and your new life. Parents often find this stage especially rewarding as there is more social interaction with your baby and it’s easier to get out and about as their routines become more defined.
Scroll down to read more about your baby’s development milestones at three months old, discover the important role of Omega-3 DHA, plus activities to try with your little one.
Your baby at three months old
At three months old, babies are increasingly stimulated by the goings-on around them: faces, voices and noises of their daily life; colours and changing light of the day.You might also notice that your baby smiles and gurgles to engage with you and, if upset, they might calm down when you pick them up.
Physically, they are developing fast too. If ‘tummy time’ has been a regular part of their day, you may find that they enjoy longer periods in that position and you can place books or toys in front of them to entertain and stimulate them.
Parents in this month
Don’t forget to look after yourselves in this early stage of parenting. Staying hydrated and eating well are two of simplest ways to take care of your wellbeing. Try to get outside in the morning as the sunlight will help with your Vitamin D and serotonin (feelgood hormone) levels, as well as setting you up for a positive day. Pop your baby in their pram or carrier, and away you go! They will reap the benefits too.
Development milestones – three-month-old baby
Nutrition in the third month
At three months, your baby’s primary source of nutrition is milk – breast milk and/or infant formula. In the first six months, breast milk provides all the essential nutrients needed for growth and development, and the composition changes with your baby’s needs.
All parents, whether breastfeeding, formula feeding or mixed feeding, should eat a diet rich in protein, iron, calcium, iodine and vitamins. This will help support your own health and energy levels and, if you are breastfeeding, it will also help with a healthy production of milk. Scroll down to read more about feeding and nutrition.
Your baby will be feeding every 3–4 hours and it’s important to follow their hunger cues and establish a feeding routine that suits both of you. Watch for signs of readiness for feeding, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or becoming more alert and active. If you’re unsure, speak to your healthcare professional for tailored advice.
Feeding tip – enjoy the quality time
However you are feeding your baby, take feeding time as an opportunity to sit somewhere quiet and relaxing, and enjoy the bonding experience.
Feeding and nutrition for mums
Important nutrients such as iron and calcium remain fairly constant in breast milk regardless of a mum’s diet or existing levels. Others are impacted by what you eat, such as fatty acids like Omega-3 DHA. Omega-3 DHA has many important functions within the body, particularly in the first 1000 days of life when it plays a role in brain and eye development and cognitive function. It may also have a prebiotic effect, which in turn helps support a healthy microbiome.
DHA is a conditionally essential nutrient, which means it has to come from your diet. It’s possible to increase your baby’s intake of DHA via breastmilk by eating two to three serves a week of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout or sardines. Other foods rich in DHA include egg yolks, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds.
If you have chosen not to breastfeed, Omega-3 DHA also has many health benefits for adults, including supporting a healthy heart and memory functions.
Don’t eat fish? You could add a good quality Omega-3 DHA supplement to your diet (you might have taken one when you were pregnant). Always ask your doctor before taking a new product and follow the directions for use.
Why Omega-3 DHA is important for infants
- Eye and vision health
- Brain and neural developments
- Cognitive function
Weight and height of a three-month-old baby
At about three months old, you can expect your baby girl to weigh in at about 5.8 kg and reach around 59.8 cm tall. For a three-month-old boy, he probably hits the scales at about 6.4 kg, ‘standing’ about 61.4 cm tall.
Remember that this information is a guide only: other factors such as birth weight, parents’ height and genetic factors can influence your baby’s growth.If you are at all concerned, check in with your healthcare professional.
Baby’s mental and visual milestones at three months
Three months is a magical time when your baby is taking more interest in the world around them and learning all the time. As you go about your daily routine, your baby will be taking it all in, helping expand their mind. You may find them watching you and seeking out your attention with their eyes – or their voice.
At about three months, you may notice that your baby:
- Spends longer looking at objects
- Shakes an object placed in their hand
- Recognises your face
- Can use both eyes, working together, to track an object
Activities to support development
You can promote development by engaging in games that stimulate sound recognition and response, such as making different noises and watching your baby’s reaction. Interactive play, like using different gestures and facial expressions, encourages communication and excitement, prompting your baby to respond and engage with you. Try offering a toy in front of their body so they can choose which hand to reach with.
Did you know…? Unless your baby was born with dark eyes, ‘baby blue’ or grey eyes can go through significant colour changes between the ages of six and nine months. This is due to the development of melanin, a pigment that can turn blue/grey eyes to green, hazel or brown.
Baby’s motor development
What a difference a few months makes! Your baby may now have better control of their body and may choose to do certain things with their body – like lifting their head for a short time when on their tummy.
Your three-month-old baby may:
- Be able to sit for short periods of time (if well supported)
- Have good control of their head
- Lift their head and chest during tummy time
- Open and close their hands
Physical activities to try
Encourage motor skill development with activities like tummy time, reaching for toys and providing safe spaces for practising pushing down with their legs. Engage in games that involve hand-eye coordination, such as grasping toys and bringing hands to their mouth, to nurture their sensory and motor development.
Social milestones at three months old
Their little personality is starting to shine through and you might see how your baby displays happiness and excitement (and upset) in a physical way such as waving their arms or arching backwards when tired or frustrated. Many babies at three months of age love to be part of the action so involve them in whatever you are doing – and tell them all about it!
At three months your social baby might:
- Seek out your attention by staring at you
- Smile on their own or in response to you
- Laugh in response to funny faces, noises or play
Activities to try with your three month old
Encourage social smiles and interactions by maintaining eye contact and smiling back at your baby. Play games that involve imitating movements and facial expressions. You can also show your little one their own expressions in a mirror!
Promote language development by talking and singing to your baby regularly, which helps them become familiar with different sounds and rhythms. Read books with simple pictures, narrate what you’re doing as you do it or sing a lullaby. Encouraging your baby’s attempts to communicate makes them want to engage with you.
Sleep patterns for three-month-olds
At three months, your baby’s sleep patterns may be more predictable. Typically, a three-month-old needs around 11–16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including several naps during the day and longer stretches of sleep at night. This isn’t surprising given all the physical and mental developments they are making! Nighttime sleep may begin to consolidate into longer periods, though it’s still common for babies to wake up for feeds every few fours.
Sleep challenges at this time may include frequent waking and difficulty establishing a consistent sleep routine. These may be due to developmental changes, growth spurts or adjusting to a sleep schedule. It’s important to be patient and flexible as your baby’s sleep patterns evolve.
To create a soothing sleep environment and promote healthy sleep habits, ensure your baby’s sleep area is calm and quiet, with dim lighting to signal that it’s time to rest. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, gentle rocking or reading a quiet story, to help your baby wind down. Swaddling or using a sleeping bag can provide a sense of security and comfort.
Don’t forget!
It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Regular checkups with your health nurse or GP will be able to ensure your baby is on track – but always get in touch with them sooner if you have any concerns. For extra resources, you can also head to Karitane or Tresillian online.
What’s next?
Watch your baby thrive as they reach exciting milestones at four months! Learn about key developmental changes, nutritional needs and how to support your little one’s growth in month four.
We are here to support you on your journey
Making decisions around infant feeding can be challenging and we hope we can help you through this journey.
We want to make sure you are informed and supported.
Before and during breastfeeding, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of age, as it provides ideal nutrition and promotes a healthy start in life.
We understand breastfeeding is not always possible, and when necessary, infant formula is the most suitable alternative to breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may interfere with breastfeeding your infant and it can be hard to reverse. Other considerations include the social and financial implications of feeding infant formula. We want to make sure your baby is as safe as possible, so please refer to the preparation and storage instructions for safe use of infant formula and be aware that any unnecessary or improper use of infant formula may cause health hazards for your baby.
Your choice, our support, always. With love.
If you require further information, consult your healthcare professional or learn more about the benefits of breast milk.
