It is the third month, which at this point, mom and baby must have established a routine schedule. Mom had expected her baby’s daily routine and rhythm ~ the time her baby wakes up in the morning, the baby’s feeding time, nap time, play time, bath time. Feedings, bath, outings, playtime, bedtime should come at roughly the same time every day. This is the period when mom needs to be creative with scheduling. The baby is not anymore a newborn, and needs a more active lifestyle.
To make it easier for both baby and mom, a schedule is important. So mom can find an alone time, as a schedule has been established. With schedules already established for the baby, it makes it easier to work around it, in lieu of doctors appointments, mommy’s appointments, and other activities of the family.
What your Baby may demonstrate at the age of 3 months
Babies at this age are more active, alert and aware of their surroundings when they are awake. Thus, they are more likely be tired at night and sleeps in longer duration.
By the end of this month, your baby may be able to lift head and chest about 45 to 90 degree angle, when placed on their stomach. During playtime, it is good for babies to be on their stomach. It allows for them to extend their motor development, at the same time, able to explore their surroundings.
They may be able to follow moving objects about 6 inches from their face past the mid line (about 180 degrees) from one side to the other.
Placing a baby-safe mirror at your baby’s eye level is a great tool for their development at this age. As their eyesight improves, they begin to focus on shapes and patterns, with bright colors
(Note: If your think that the baby seems not to have reached one or more of these milestones, consult with the doctor. In rare instances, the delay could indicate a problem, though in most cases, it will turn out to be normal for your baby.
Some premature babies generally reach milestones later than others, of the same birth age, often achieving them closer to their adjusted age (the age they would be if they were born at term, and sometimes later. And surprisingly, other premature babies do reach the same milestones as with babies their age.)
Nervous System
You would notice that baby’s movements at 3 months of age is somewhat spastic. Your baby’s nervous system has not worked out their kinks completely yet. There is plenty of incoordinations with movements, that eventually would transition into more controlled, purposeful maneuvers.
Hearing Milestone
By the third month, your baby recognizes the parent’s voice, turns the head towards the sound of a rattle or smile at a sound of a familiar voice.
Your baby loves to hear your voice, and they will respond with their cooing, outreaching to the sound of the voice, so makes soft sounds, talk to your baby, babble, sing and coo away. You may even hear your baby’s first mama or dada sound.
Engage to your baby’s conversation by responding similarly to the sounds they make. Talk to your baby whatever you are doing. Describe the step by step process you two are doing when feeding, giving bath, changing diapers, playing.
Social Development
It is during this stage that baby’s would demonstrate their self-sufficient behavior. Babies would explore and expand their interest around their surroundings.
This is the stage when they start to develop close and trusting relationships with others. Let them get comfortable with other people while you are around them.
Safe Sleeping
Be aware of the back-to-sleep, tummy-to-play policy.
All babies should sleep on their backs (unless medical condition dictates otherwise) and should spend their wakeful times on their stomach, as you are around them. Keep stuffed toys, blankets, soft bumpers away from your babies as they explore their surroundings.
Your baby’s daytime sleeping should become routine by now. About 1 1/2 to 2 hours of nap time should be good for them.
HAVE A BABY SITTER CHECKLIST
There would be a time that you are going to need a baby sitter. Getting your baby get used to being cared for occasionally by a non-parent will be an important part of her development. The earlier your baby makes the adjustment, the better it will be.
At first, you probably want your baby be taken out for short outings. In your presence, let the baby sitter place the baby in the stroller for a ride. The baby sees you around, as you watch the initial experience of spending few moments with an unknown person in a joyful short outing stroller ride.
For your peace of mind, and the baby sitter as well, you need a check list written down.
1) The set up of your baby’s room, the kitchen, and other important information about your house, fire exits, and security alarm.
2) What the baby CAN and CANNOT eat or drink, emphasizing that no food, drink or medicine should be given to your baby without your knowledge.
3) How to feed/burped your baby.
4) Where the diapers are kept. How to change diaper and clean the baby. Specific instructions for diaper cream.
5) Where baby’s clothes are kept, in case the baby needs changing.
6) Any special characteristics of your baby that the baby sitter may not expect like spitting up, cries when wet, sleeps with lights on, bowel movement.
7) Your baby’s favorite toy/blanket.
8) How the baby should sleep.
9) If you have pets in the house, any special instructions related to your baby and the pets.
10) First Aid kit location.
11) List of important phone numbers: Families, doctors, significant others.
12) Who is allowed to visit/or not visit while you are away.
13) The address and phone number of the emergency room you use.
14) The address and phone number of the pharmacy you use.
15) A signed consent form authorizing medical care in case of an emergency
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I want you to feel that you can reach out to me if ever you have questions or want to share ideas that you have related to babies, growing premature babies, and the overall health issues pertaining to the care of babies OR just drop me a comment to just say “Hello” or “What’s up”.
All the Best,
Maria Teresa
BabiesBuddies.com
