0 - 3 Months

Activities

The activities below let babies have fun while helping them develop physically, cognitively and socially. Do not force baby to do an activity if she doesn’t like it. You can always try it again later.

MILESTONES (3 months)

Here’s what most (not all) kids can do by 3 months. Be patient and allow the baby to set the pace as they learn new physical and cognitive skills. Every child develops at a different pace!

Physical Development

while on belly, raise head two to three inches (may be able to push herself up while on belly)
turn head from side to side
kick legs and wave arms (not quite rolling around yet)
open and close hands; bring hands to mouth hands together
make a loose fist
bring hands to mouth
reach out for objects placed near face (may be able to grab or shake them)

Cognitive/Language Development

follow moving object with eyes
turn to look when parent or nanny is speaking; watch parent and nanny’s face as they talk
coos, gurgles, makes “ah” sounds
recognize parent or nanny’s voice
startled by loud noises
enjoy listening to music

Social/Emotional Development

calms down when spoken to or held
more socially responsive (e.g., smiling, cooing)
responds to changes in tone of voice
enjoy looking in mirror
tries to imitate sounds
enjoys playing with people and may cry when play stops

TIPS

make lots of eye contact with baby
talk, sing and read to the baby (board book with large, clear illustrations (black & white or high-contrast colors)
play with sensory toys sensory (toys that squeak, tweet, rattle or make music)
hold & cuddle baby
gently move babies arms and legs (helps build strength & coordination)
respond promptly to baby’s cries
establish consistent feeding & sleeping routine
speak “parentese” with child (higher pitched, sing-song voice; slow speech; short sentences; emphasize & repeat words & sounds)
“tummy time” with baby (up to 6 months)
let baby stand for a few seconds with help from adult

CITATIONS
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Developmental Milestones: 3 Months.
www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/month-by-month/month-3.aspx
www.nytimes.com/2020/04/18/parenting/milestones/3-month-old.html
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-3-months#1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Developmental Milestones.
Kuhl, P. K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727.
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & human development, 7(4), 349-367.