by Cindy Abbate

Created on: January 02, 2011   Last Updated: January 04, 2011

At three months of life babies can hold their heads upright when resting on their stomachs. Parents notice many changes at this time and typically take delight in their child’s progress.  It is important to remember that there no set time lines for a baby’s development.  Many children reach expected goals faster or slower than what is considered normal with no impact on later development.  If there’s concern a health professional should be consulted.

Not only can baby hold his head up for short periods he can briefly support himself at a forty five degree angle with his arms when on his tummy. Playtime can help build muscles by parents supporting the child in standing position, letting them rest against them while sitting and letting him or her stretch and reach for toys while on their back.  Not only will both parties have fun but the activities will help baby gain muscle strength.

Routines have begun to establish themselves in the child’s behavior pattern. There are probably distinct signals for certain needs and routines have begun to form.  At three months most children have discovered that their fingers are wonderful toys.  They wiggle and can be safely put in the mouth.  They are also great for clasping things and moving them back and forth.  A child of this age begins to realize that if he or she shakes a rattle a pleasing sound is produced.  They have begun to discover the law of cause and effect.

Children recognize family members and familiar objects.  Smiles and happy sounds are often the result of a parent drawing near.  He or she will be able to follow objects with their eyes and respond to certain sounds.  Adults can play by making funny faces having baby try to imitate them.  Both parent and child will enjoy walks even if they’re just around the house.  Baby will enjoy looking at new things and hearing everyday sounds such as birds chirping, dogs barking, pleasant music and the like.  They are becoming more familiar with this new world and are beginning to interact with its interesting components.

Most children still need to have one night time feeding but will begin to adjust to parent’s schedule so long as he or she is fed enough during the day.  It’s too early to have a tight schedule so it needs to be kept fairly flexible to allow the still very young child time to adjust.  It’s tempting to have baby sleep in

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