Vimol Mok

 During the first 3 months of life, a baby undergoes numerous changes and developments. Remember that each baby is unique and so are their developmental journeys. Here, I share the milestones I’ve witnessed with my own bundle of joy, knowing that yours may dance to a different beat. Dive into these key developmental milestones and discover delightful ways to make the most of your baby’s awake time. I hope this serves as a helpful guide, providing insights into various stages of early development. 

1st Month

Sleep

During their first month, babies have small stomachs, so they feed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding lasts shorter than formula feed as it digests faster but its duration gradually lengthens over time. 

Newborns at first month sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns are often irregular. They may sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours a day. The 1st month is not ideal yet to start the sleeping routine or sleep training. Their playtime will gradually increase over time as their wake time gets longer, meaning more time for playing and interacting.

Milestones

• Newborns typically have limited neck strength and rely on support for their heads. You might notice some improvement in head control as the month progresses.
• Babies often react to sudden movements or loud noises. They may also grasp your finger if you place it in their palm.
• Initially, newborns have blurry vision, but they can see objects at close distances. They may begin to show interest in faces and high-contrast patterns.
• Babies explore the world with their mouths, learning this since they were inside the tummy. This is how they learn to survive after birth without more food support through the umbilical cord. You might observe sucking motions, which can be a sign of hunger or a self-soothing behavior.

2nd Month 

Sleep

At around two months, babies typically sleep for about 12 to 18 hours a day, but this can vary. They may start recognizing day and night, such as going back to sleep after each feeding at night and taking naps during the day. Each nap is broken into short periods with wake periods in between, and each wake time lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. 

Milestones

• At around two months, many babies begin to smile in response to familiar faces and voices. This is a significant social milestone as they start recognizing and reacting to people.
• During tummy time or when supported in an upright position, babies may start to lift and hold their heads up for short periods and move side to side, demonstrating strengthen neck muscles.
• They begin to make gurgling sounds and explore their vocal abilities attempting to communicate.
• Exploring touch: learning to use their hands to touch objects such as hanging toys and fingers.
• Babies become more attuned to familiar voices and may turn their heads or respond to the sound of their caregiver’s voice.

• Along with smiling in response to familiar faces, babies may also start displaying social smiles, smiling simply for the joy of interacting.
• Improved eye movement allows babies to track and follow objects with their eyes. They may also show interest in moving objects or people around them. Babies become more alert and attentive to their surroundings. They may show interest in toys, lights, and patterns.

3rd Month

Sleep

At 3 months old, babies typically sleep around 14 to 16 hours a day. On average, babies may be awake for approximately 1 to 2 hours at a time during the day when they start recognizing day and night. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and provide opportunities for short periods of play, interaction, and feeding during these wakeful periods.

Milestones

• Babies are likely gaining more head control and can hold their head steady when upright or during tummy time with their support using their arms.
• Increased coordination and purposeful movements, such as reaching and grabbing objects with their hands.

• Can visually track moving objects, show more interest in faces and objects, and recognize familiar faces.
• Communication and social development such as making babbling sounds, smiling responsively, and increasing vocalization by using a variety of sounds to communicate.

• Become more efficient in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• Can establish a routine such as a sleeping pattern and recognize bathing time.
• Start to show more interest in social interaction such as peek-a-boo and gentle tickling.

Remember that each baby develops at their own pace, and there can be variations in reaching these milestones. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician.