Once you leave the hospital and get your newborn home, it seems like all he does is sleep, eat, spit up, cry and poop. However, your newborn will meet many developmental milestones within his first three months of early infancy. It's important to remember that all babies meet milestones at their own pace.
Motor Skills
By three months old, you baby will not be ready to crawl or roll over, but she will begin practicing the necessary steps toward these larger movements. If you place your baby on her stomach at the end of three months, she should be able to raise her head and chest off the ground.
During the first few months, you will notice your baby is able to make a tight fist, but by the third month, she will also be able to intentionally grasp toys, pacifiers or rattles. She may even shake a rattle.
Senses
Babies can hear at birth, as shown by a baby becoming startled by loud sounds or looking in the direction of sounds. According to the Mayo Clinic, your baby will also respond to the sound of your voice during the first few months. Smell, touch and taste are also present at birth. By the third month, your baby will develop a preference for sweet smells and soft textures, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Vision is the least developed sense at birth, but it will develop quickly during the first few months. In the first few weeks, your baby may spend a lot of time focusing on your face or his own hands. As vision develops and he can see things from farther distances, his eyes will wander around the room and he may even appear cross-eyed from time-to-time.
Communication
The primary method of communication during the first three months is crying. According to the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, crying peaks around six weeks of age. By the time your baby is three months old, he will cry approximately one hour per day unless he has colic, which will greatly increase the amount of crying. Crying is how your baby communicates. He is able to tell you he is hungry, uncomfortable or in need of attention. Responding quickly to your baby's cries will help him trust you because you are meeting his needs. According to the National Center of Infants, Toddlers and Families, you cannot spoil a baby.
While playing, your baby may make cooing sounds to show excitement and may let out a scream as well.
Encouragement
Switching your baby's position from lying on her back to her stomach, also known as "tummy time," will allow her to practice lifting her head and chest from the ground. This will also help strengthen her arms. As your baby gets older, placing toys a few inches out of her grasp can encourage her to inch forward on her belly.
Your baby recognizes your face and voice, and according to the National Center for Infant, Toddlers and Families, she also responds to your smile and touch. Encourage interaction with your baby by talking, singing, smiling and holding her close.
Considerations
Although babies meet milestones at their own pace, there are certain milestones that may signify a developmental problem if they're not met by three months of age. The Mayo Clinic advises making an appointment with a pediatrician if your baby does not have improved head control, is unable to make eye contact with you, and doesn't response to sounds or visual stimulus.
