What are the developmental milestones for a 3-month-old?
1 min read
By three months, your baby transforms from a sleepy newborn into an active, responsive little person who smiles at your voice, follows moving objects, and begins to babble.
In terms of movement, most 3-month-olds can raise their head and chest during tummy time, open and shut their hands, bring a hand to the mouth, and swipe at dangling toys. Socially, you'll see a real "social smile," lots of cooing, and growing delight in playing with you, often with a cry when the fun stops.
Babies hit these marks on their own timeline, so there's no need to measure yours against another. Even so, mention it to your pediatrician if your baby isn't smiling at your voice, following objects with their eyes, or responding to loud sounds by this age.
What you can do
- Offer daily supervised tummy time to build neck and arm strength
- Talk, sing, and make faces to encourage smiles and babbling
- Hang safe toys within reach so they can practice swiping
- Note any milestones to discuss at the next checkup
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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