Baby's Development: Third Month
Your Baby’s Appearance at Third Month of Life
During the first few months, newborns often lose their hair and start to grow a new hair that can be completely different than the hair they're born with. There's nothing you can do about your newborn's hair loss if it's related to hormone levels, but if bald spots appear because your baby spends too much time in the same position, you should try alternating the way she sleeps and make sure she has some tummy-time during each day.
Your Baby’s Growth at Third Month of Life
During the third month, your baby might be hungrier due to the growth spurt. If you're breastfeeding, you'll notice that your baby wants to nurse more often than usual, and even though it may be exhausting for you, you should let your baby eat as often as she wants. Growth spurts are usually over after 2 or 3 days, but sometimes they can last a little bit longer.
Your Baby’s Motor Skills at Third Month of Life
Most newborn reflexes should be fading or gone by now. As your baby grows, her strength is improving - there'll be less head wobbling when you hold her upright, and she'll be able to support her head and chest with her arms while lying on her stomach. And you'll also notice that now she can stretch out her legs and kick. Her hand-eye coordination is also improving. Even though each baby develops at its own pace, you should talk to your baby's pediatrician if your 3-months-old baby doesn't respond to noises or smile and if she doesn't reach for objects or follow them with her eyes.
Your Baby’s Senses at Third Month of Life
As she grows, her senses are improving. Now your baby will enjoy listening to all kinds of music, and she'll smile at the sound of your voice. You should choose bright colored toys since for a baby it's easier to see sharp contrasts. You can put your baby in front of a mirror, and she'll look thoughtfully at her own reflection. Touch is an important part of your baby's growth and development. Stimulate your baby's sense of touch with different materials - fur, fleece, terry cloth...
Your Baby’s Sleeping at Third Month of Life
As time passes, your baby will sleep less during the day, but she'll also stop waking up during the night. If she still does wake up during the night, you should wait a minute or two before rushing into her room. Sometimes, babies wake up, cry for a few seconds and go back to sleep. However, if that's not the case, and your baby continues to cry, enter the room, but don't turn on the light. It's important that you do everything in the dark, so your baby learns that nighttime is only for sleeping. Some parents will decide to try the Ferber method, but if it makes you feel uncomfortable letting your baby cry - don't.
Your Baby’s Eating at Third Month of Life
Friends or family members might advise you to start introducing solids to your baby (so she'd sleep through the night), but it's still too early. You should wait at least for one whole month for this. Your baby probably has some feeding plan, but even if she doesn't - don't worry. Breastfed babies usually have more feedings than the babies who are bottle fed. You'll probably need to increase the amount of formula milk you're giving to your baby.
Your Baby’s Communication at Third Month of Life
In the third month, your baby doesn't communicate only through crying. She'll be gurgling and burbling, and you may even hear her cooing and making vowel sounds. Respond to these sounds, and your baby will listen carefully. If your baby is growing up in a bilingual home, you should speak both languages equally. By three months, your baby starts to smile at other people, as well.
