Baby Milestones: The First Three Months

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical experience, and the first three months of your baby's life are filled with incredible milestones. As new parents, it's both exciting and reassuring to watch your little one grow and change every day. Here's a look at the key milestones to expect during this precious period, along with tips to celebrate and support your baby's development.

Month 1: Adjusting to the World

During the first month, your baby is just beginning to adjust to life outside the womb. Their main focus is on eating, sleeping, and bonding with you.

• Physical Growth: Your baby might gain about 1-2 pounds a week and grow about 1-1.5 inches in length. Their head circumference will also increase as their brain develops.

• Reflexes: Look out for the Moro (startle) reflex, rooting reflex, and grasp reflex. These are all signs of a healthy nervous system.

• Vision and Hearing: At this stage, your baby can see objects that are 8-12 inches away. They might begin to focus on your face and respond to familiar voices with subtle movements.

• Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact and cuddles help build a strong emotional connection. Talking and singing to your baby can also soothe them and promote language development.

Tip: Don’t stress over schedules in the first month; follow your baby’s cues for feeding and sleeping.

Month 2: Social Smiles and More

By the second month, your baby is starting to show their personality and interact more with the world around them.

• Social Smiles: One of the most rewarding milestones—your baby’s first real smile! They’re learning to express happiness and connect with you.

• Improved Focus: Your baby’s vision is improving, and they may track objects or faces as they move. High-contrast toys or patterns can catch their attention.

• Coos and Gurgles: Early attempts at communication begin with cooing and gurgling sounds. Responding to these sounds encourages language development.

• Strength Building: Tummy time is essential for developing neck and shoulder muscles. Your baby might start lifting their head briefly during tummy time.

Tip: Incorporate tummy time into your daily routine, starting with just a few minutes and gradually increasing as your baby builds strength.

Month 3: Exploring and Engaging

By the third month, your baby is becoming more curious and interactive. Their development seems to accelerate, and each day brings something new.

• Hand Coordination: Your baby might discover their hands and start bringing them to their mouth. They may also begin reaching for toys or objects.

• Head Control: Improved neck strength allows your baby to hold their head up steadily for longer periods.

• Recognising Faces and Voices: Your baby will recognise you and other caregivers, responding with smiles, coos, or excited movements.

• Early Play: Simple games like peek-a-boo or singing songs can delight your baby and help them learn about interaction.

• Sleep Patterns: By this age, some babies start sleeping for longer stretches at night (4-6 hours), though every baby is different.

Tip: Create a bedtime routine to help your baby feel secure and understand the difference between day and night.

Cherishing the Moments

Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one takes a bit longer to reach certain milestones. Celebrate their achievements, support their development, and savour every cuddle, coo, and smile. Parenthood is an adventure, and this is just the beginning.

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