How Your Baby Develops:
2 - 3 Months
You are getting to know your baby a whole lot better now, and he is
developing into a little person in his own right. Understanding what is
happening at each stage gives you a heads up on his needs, and allows you to
handle your own expectations. Remember – all milestones are guides, and each
baby will develop at his or her own pace.
Mobility (also known as Gross Motor Skills)
At 2 months old:
Although your baby won’t be able to move around at this stage, his movements
will be a lot less jerking than they were, as the Moro reflex reduces and he
gains some control of his limbs. This is an ideal time for ‘tummy-time’ play, to
help your baby develop the muscles in his neck and hold up his head well.
At 3 months old:
Your baby may surprise you with his strong kicks, as his leg muscles become more
developed and his coordination allows him to kick more deliberately. His head
will be much steadier now, and not so slumped into his chest. You get your first
real idea of what your baby will look like as a child! Keep on with tummy time
and watch out for those rolls – some babies can suddenly roll around now, so
don’t leave him alone on the bed.
3 months - beginning to roll!
Holding Objects (Fine Motor Skills)
At 2 months old:
When he grabs at your hand this is still more of a reflex than an intentional
movement. Your baby may be self-comforting by sucking his fists or a pacifier,
and may even be able to push the pacifier back into his mouth with his wrists or
fists.
At 3 months old:
Keep hanging mobiles out of reach as your baby learns to bat at objects with his
fists. He may start a kind of ‘practice grip’ around now, opening and closing
his fists, and watching them, fascinated.
Communication
At 2 months old:
It is around now you will get your first real smile – a wonderful moment for all
parents. Although he may have smiled before now, it is at six to eight weeks
that babies really look at you, into your eyes, and reward you with that beaming
smile. And it makes all the hard work worth it!
At 3 months old:
Your baby can differentiate between people he is familiar with and people he
isn’t – and will visibly prefer you and your partner to a stranger. He will
still be easily won over with a big smile, though. As your baby’s cognitive
skills develop, he will be able to pick out your voice, smell, facial features
and other nuances.
Social-time and Play
At 2 months old:
Mobiles come into their own now as your baby can see further and can appreciate
more complicated patterns and shapes. Sounds will also fascinate him, and many
babies love to listen to music. He may be trying to turn his head to respond to
your voice, depending on the amount of head-control he has at this stage.
At 3 months old:
Babies of this age love to look at themselves in a mirror – although they don’t
yet know that the baby they are looking at is actually themselves. This
knowledge of the self is a complicated psychological developmental stage which
happens slowly over time. He will enjoy exploring his sense of touch now, with
different textures such as rough or soft being a delight. Many toys promote this
stage of learning; look for ones with lots of different textures and sounds,
such as crinkly paper or hidden bells.
More Baby Stages
You might also be interested in:
Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes
home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is
perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum
More about Newborn Babies
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