After her birth, a baby develops so quickly that she may seem different from one day to the next. As she picks up new skills regarding language and movement, a baby also gains weight and continues to grow physically. During her first few months, parents will see a distinct change in their baby's ability to communicate with others and understand the world around her.
Physical Appearance
Relative to their size, babies grow quite quickly during their first few months of life. Your baby will grow 1 to 1.5 inches and gain about 1.5 to 2 pounds between the ages of 1 month and 4 months, according to HealthyChildren.org. Additionally, the circumference of your child's head will increase by half an inch per month. His head will be larger in proportion to his body at this stage of development. The soft spots on your baby's head will close up by the time he reaches 2 or 3 months of age, notes HealthyChildren.org.
Movements
By the time she's a month old, your baby will be able to perform basic movements. A 1-month-old baby can move her head from side to side when lying on her stomach. She also can bring her hands to her mouth and eyes. A 3-month-old baby can grasp objects, wiggle her arms, kick her legs and lift her head and chest when lying on her stomach, according to the National Network for Child Care, or NNCC.
Language
Language begins to develop once a baby is about 3 months old. At this stage, he can imitate some sounds and starts to babble, reports HealthyChildren.org. A 3-month-old child has the ability to communicate his feelings through crying or facial expressions, according to the NNCC.
Cognitive
At 1 month, a baby's cognitive development is still limited. According to HealthyChildren.org, a 1-month-old infant may react to familiar voices and recognize some sounds. By the age of 3 months, she also can follow moving objects, use some hand-eye coordination and recognize familiar faces from a distance.
Social
During early development, social skills become a part of a baby's daily life. During this time, a baby learns to play peek-a-boo, anticipates being picked up and calms down in reaction to a soothing voice, according to NNCC. By the time he's 3-months-old, your baby will smile at and play with people, sometimes crying when playtime is over, reports HealthyChildren.org.
Considerations
If you suspect your baby has missed one or more of the developmental milestones appropriate for her age, consult with your physician immediately. For example, signs of delayed development in a 3-month-old child include an inability to support her own head, not smiling at people or failing to grasp and hold objects.
