Baby Milestones: What to expect from month 1 to month 3 of your baby's life
Updated: Aug 5
As a new mom, the first three months of your baby's life are time filled with joy, wonder, and a lot of learning. And of course sleepless nights, checking if they are breathing - you know all the normal things. During the first three months, your baby will reach several critical milestones that lay the foundation for their future development.
Here is a short overview of what's coming:
Now every baby is different so things might come at different times. That is perfectly normal and there is nothing to worry about.
Month 1: Discovering the World
During the first month, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. Their days are filled with eating, sleeping, and bonding with you. They rely on reflexes to interact with the world around them, such as grasping your finger or rooting for a feed. These reflexes help them develop their motor skills and establish a connection with you.
Key Milestones:
Reflexes: Grasping and rooting reflexes develop.
Visual Development: Their vision is still developing, and they may start following movements and focusing on nearby objects.
Bonding: Close contact and eye contact during feeding or cuddling sessions strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
Month 2: Smiling and Socializing
As your baby enters the second month, their world begins to expand, and their social interactions become more pronounced. They start recognizing your face and respond to your voice with increased attentiveness. This is the month when you'll be rewarded with the first smile.
Key Milestones:
Social Interaction: Your baby recognizes your face and responds to your voice. They may smile responsively.
Communication: They start cooing, gurgling, and making various sounds to express their needs and engage in "conversations" with you.
Sensory Stimulation: Introducing toys with contrasting colors and different textures can stimulate their senses and encourage their exploration. I used the black and white Montessori cards. They turned out to be great for tummy time but didn't not make him love that, at all.
Month 3: Becoming More Active
By the third month, your baby's motor skills are developing rapidly. They start gaining better control over their head and neck, especially during tummy time. You'll notice them lifting their head higher and for more extended periods, developing the strength needed for future milestones like rolling over and sitting up.
Key Milestones:
Motor Skills: Improved head and neck control during tummy time. They may attempt to roll over from their back to their side.
Sensory Development: Their senses continue to sharpen, and they become more responsive to visual stimuli. Introducing colorful and visually stimulating toys can help with exploration.
Emotional Development: Your baby forms attachments and seeks comfort. Responding with love, reassurance, and cuddles fosters their emotional development.
Thinking back I can't really remember how or when my baby reached these milestones. I do know he started smiling quite early and hasn't stopped since. But I doubt it was all by the book or by the month expected or decribed as the "usual". So if your little one still needs more time for some of these things, let them be.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are some typical reflexes my baby may exhibit during the first month? During the first month, you may notice reflexes such as the Moro reflex, rooting reflex, and grasping reflex. These reflexes are normal and contribute to your baby's development.
How can I help my baby's vision development during the first month? Engage in close contact and make eye contact with your baby during feeding or cuddling sessions. Offer visually stimulating toys and objects with high contrast to capture their attention.
When can I expect my baby to smile for the first time? Babies typically start smiling socially and responsively around the second month. However, every baby is unique, so the timing may vary.
What can I do to encourage my baby's language development during the second month? Respond to your baby's sounds and vocalizations, imitate their sounds, and engage in "conversations" with them. Introduce toys with contrasting colors and different textures to stimulate their senses and encourage vocal exploration.
When can I start tummy time, and how often should I do it? You can start tummy time from the first month. Begin with short periods of a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets more comfortable. Aim for tummy time sessions two to three times a day.
What are some signs that my baby is becoming more active during the third month? Signs of increased activity include lifting their head higher and for longer periods during tummy time, attempting to roll over from their back to their side, and displaying improved hand-eye coordination and reaching and grasping skills.
How can I stimulate my baby's senses during the third month? Introduce colorful and visually stimulating toys, mobiles, and books with high-contrast images. Incorporate gentle music or sing lullabies to nurture their auditory development. Provide a safe and supervised space for them to explore their surroundings.
What can I do to foster my baby's emotional development during the third month? Respond to your baby's needs with love, reassurance, and plenty of cuddles. Talk to them, read to them, and engage in gentle play to build trust and create a nurturing environment. Observe and validate their emotions, providing comfort and security.