This period, abundant with changes and growth, marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life as well as the life of your little one. It’s important to understand that each baby develops at their own pace, but there are common milestones that you can anticipate and look forward to during these early months.
- Physical growth: Your baby will grow significantly during these months, gaining weight and increasing in length.
- Cognitive development: You’ll start to spot signs of your baby’s brain growth as they begin to interact with their environment.
- Motor skills: While these are still developing, your newborn will begin showing early signs of these skills, like lifting their head during tummy time.
- Social-emotional development: Your little one will start recognizing your voice and face, which makes this a truly magical time.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children can do by a certain age. They give you a sense of what to expect and provide a benchmark for identifying the pace of your child’s progression. However, they should also be viewed with flexibility as children develop at different rates and this is perfectly normal.
We’ve broken these down into four major categories to make it easier for you to understand and follow. So, let’s delve into our comprehensive guide to your baby’s developmental milestones from 0 to 3 months. Remember, this guide is not a strict timeline, but rather a tool to help you navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood during these early months.
Motor Skills Milestones
During the first three months of a newborn’s life, they go through several important developmental milestones. One of the most significant milestones is the development of their motor skills.
- By the end of the first month, most babies can lift their heads briefly when lying on their stomachs.
- By two months, they can hold their heads up for longer periods and may even begin to push up with their arms while lying on their tummy.
- By the end of the third month, many babies can support their upper bodies with their arms while lying on their stomachs, and some may even start to roll from their tummy to their back.
Cognitive Milestones
Newborns also experience important cognitive milestones during their first three months.
- In the first month, babies are able to focus on objects that are about 8-12 inches away from their face. They may also start to track objects with their eyes and show interest in faces.
- By two months, babies can track objects more smoothly and may begin to recognize familiar faces.
- By three months, babies can follow objects with their eyes in a coordinated manner and may start to reach for objects.
Social and Emotional Developmental Milestones
This is another important aspect of newborn development during the first three months.
- In the first month, babies are primarily focused on their basic needs, such as feeding and sleeping. However, they may start to show social smiles and respond to comforting touches.
- By two months, babies begin to show more social engagement, such as smiling in response to familiar faces and making cooing sounds.
- By three months, babies can often recognize and respond differently to familiar faces and strangers. They may also start to enjoy interactive games like peek-a-boo.
Language Developmental Milestones
Language development is also a key milestone during the first three months.
- In the first month, babies typically make a variety of sounds, including crying, cooing, and gurgling.
- By two months, babies may start to make more vowel-like sounds and coo in response to conversation.
- By three months, babies may begin to babble and make more consonant sounds. They may also start to respond to their own name and show interest in listening to voices.
Physical Growth Milestones
Lastly, newborns also experience physical growth milestones during their first three months. On average, babies gain about 1.5 to 2 pounds per month during this period. They also grow in length, with an average growth of about 1 inch per month. Their head circumference also increases, reflecting brain growth. By the end of the third month, most babies have doubled their birth weight and have grown significantly in size.
Challenges You Might Face During the First Three Months of Development
Parents may have concerns about their baby’s growth and development.
Baby Not Gaining Weight
It is normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first week of life, but they should regain it by the end of the second week. If a baby is not gaining weight or is not meeting developmental milestones, it is important for parents to consult with their pediatrician. Additionally, parents may worry about their baby’s vision and hearing, as newborns’ senses are still developing. Regular check-ups and screenings can help address any concerns.
Baby Not Latching
A common concern is feeding difficulties. Some babies may have trouble latching onto the breast or bottle, leading to frustration for both the baby and the parent. It is important for parents to seek support from lactation consultants or pediatricians to address any feeding issues and ensure that the baby is getting proper nutrition.
Excessive Crying in Babies
Another common concern is colic or excessive crying. Some babies may experience colic, which is characterized by intense and inconsolable crying for several hours a day. This can be distressing for parents, as they may feel helpless in soothing their baby. It is important for parents to seek support from healthcare professionals, as they can provide guidance and strategies to manage colic.