3 Months Old - Development Milestone Checklist

I am 3 months old! With an article with mumcentre.com regarding the growth and development milestone, kindly allow me to review my progress vs the report. I have fared well for those that are hightlighted in BLUE. Well well well.... my progress is excellent! Has it been three months already? Your baby is now probably much more awake and alert than he/ she has ever been before this. Now is also a great “hands-on” time for play and learning!

What your child might do:

Physically and mentally • Raises head and chest with better control when paced on tummy • May roll from back to side • Is better at distinguishing visual details • Has better hand-eye coordination • Opens and closes hands • Grasps and shakes toys • Likes dangling objects such as keys • Brings both hands together • Kicks more energetically and able to straighten legs • Imitates sounds • Has an established social smile • Clearly knows the difference between caregivers and strangers • Has better understanding of cause and effect Language and emotions • Laughs • Has distinct cries for different needs • Makes longer vowel sounds Feeding A fluctuating appetite isn’t cause for great concern unless your baby is losing weight and seems dehydrated or listless. Speak to your doctor for specific advice on baby’s appropriate weight and feeding habits at this age. Sleep Help establish a good bedtime routine! Lay baby in the crib at the first signs of sleepiness for baby to learn to sleep on his/ her own.  Ideal toys for this age • Floor gyms (with kicking toys) • Activity mats • Rattles and other hand toys such as colourful plastic keys on a ring Useful tips Choose toys that greatly encourage coordination and gross-motor skills. Reward baby with smiles and enthusiastic praise when he/ she shakes a rattle or kicks vigorously at a floor gym.   Feeding tips The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during your baby’s first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for as long as possible. Breast milk is best for babies 6 months and below because it has the right balance of nutrients – protein, fat, iron, calcium, vitamins and minerals – to suit baby’s needs. Breast milk has antibodies to protect infants from infection, it provides all the fluid that they need too. That is why mums should be encouraged to breastfeed for as long as it suits them and their baby.