What are babies doing at 2-3 months?

Bonding

At 2-3 months, your baby understands that voices and faces go together – especially yours. That’s because your baby has formed a strong attachment to you.

Your baby might follow you with their eyes and enjoy smiling at you. When you speak to your baby, they might even echo you.

Seeing and hearing

Your baby is starting to look more closely at objects like small blocks and toys, and their eyes can follow objects moving in a circle or in an arc over their head.

Crying

Around this time, your baby might still cry and fuss – this is a typical part of development and will pass in time. Crying and fussing usually peaks at 6-8 weeks and starts to settle at 12-16 weeks.

Communicating and feeling

Your baby is starting to communicate with you in new ways. For example, your baby’s cry when they’re hungry might be different from when they’re in pain. They’ll use facial expressions and body language to try to tell you things too.

Your baby might start chuckling. By 3 months your baby might even ‘coo’.

By now your baby is probably showing emotions like interest, disgust, distress and enjoyment.

Moving

Your baby’s hands will be open most of the time now, and your baby might like opening them, closing them and bringing them together. Your baby is also starting to use their hands and eyes together and might even reach for your face or swing their hands towards an object.

When your baby is on their tummy, they might rest on their forearms or roll on to their side. If your baby has started to roll, always watch your baby and never leave them unattended on a sofa, bed or change table. It doesn’t take long for your baby to roll into danger.

Your baby might stretch out their legs and kick when they’re on their tummy or back. If you hold your baby in a standing position – for example, on the floor or in your lap – they might try to stand on their legs.

When you hold your baby or help them to sit up, you might notice that they’re starting to control their head movements.

Your child’s brain develops connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their life. Stimulating and caring environments with plenty of different activities help to build these connections and lay the foundations for learning, health and behaviour throughout life.

How can you help your baby grow and develop at 2-3 months?

Hold and cuddle your baby

This helps your baby feel safe and secure. It can also help with bonding between you and your baby.

Play with your baby

Your baby feels loved and secure when you play together. Try simple activities like talking, reading and singing songs like ‘Twinkle twinkle little star’. Games like peekaboo can be fun too.

Smile!

Smiling at your baby makes them feel good, safe and secure. It also helps your baby’s brain develop and builds attachment to you.

Make eye contact

When you get your baby to follow your eyes, it encourages them to turn their head. This builds your baby’s neck strength and head control. Changing your baby’s position encourages them to turn their head to both sides.

Try tummy time

Start with 1-2 minutes of tummy time and build up to 10-15 minutes several times a day. This builds your baby’s head, neck and upper body muscles, which are important for sitting and standing later. Always watch your baby during tummy time, and put your baby on their back to sleep.

Try baby massage

Baby massage is a great way to bond with your baby. It can also be relaxing and soothing for your baby. Gently massaging your baby’s back can also help your baby get used to being on their tummy.

Sometimes your baby won’t want to do these things. For example, they might be too tired or hungry. Your baby will use baby cues to let you know when they’ve had enough and what they need.

Why do babies cry and how can you respond?

Sometimes you’ll know why your baby is crying. When you respond to crying – for example, by feeding your baby if they’re hungry – your baby feels comfortable and safe.

Sometimes you might not know why your baby is crying, but it’s still important to comfort your baby. You can’t spoil your baby by picking them up, cuddling them or talking to them in a soothing voice.

Never shake a baby. If you feel like you can’t cope or you might hurt your baby, gently put your baby down somewhere safe. Take deep breaths to calm down. Get support by talking to a family member or friend or by calling a parenting helpline or Lifeline on 131 114.

How to care for a 3-month-old baby and look after yourself

Every day you and your baby will learn a little more about each other. As your baby grows and develops, you’ll learn more about what your baby needs and how you can meet their needs.

As a parent, you’re always learning. It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s OK to admit you don’t know something and ask questions or get help.

It’s also important to look after yourself. Looking after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is good for you, and it’s good for your baby. When you’re well, you can give your baby the loving attention they need to grow and thrive. You can also cope better if your baby is crying a lot.

Part of looking after yourself is asking for help, especially if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry. There are many people who can support you and your baby, including your partner, friends, relatives, child and family health nurse and GP. It’s a good idea to have a list of these people with their contact details. Put the list on your fridge, so it’s easy to find if you need it.

When to be concerned about baby development at 3 months

You know your baby best. So it’s a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you have any concerns or notice that your 3-month-old has any of the following issues.

Seeing, hearing and communicating

Your baby:

  • is crying a lot and is difficult to soothe, and this is worrying you
  • isn’t looking you in the eyes, even for a short time
  • doesn’t pay attention to faces
  • isn’t making sounds when you speak to them
  • doesn’t react to loud noises
  • isn’t distracted by the sound of a rattle.

Behaviour

Your baby:

  • isn’t feeding well at the breast or bottle
  • seems very tired
  • is sleeping more than is typical for newborn sleep
  • isn’t smiling when you talk to or smile at them.

Movement

Your baby:

  • keeps their hands in a fist most of the time
  • is very floppy or very stiff.

If you notice that your baby has lost skills they once had, see a child health professional.

Also see your nurse or GP if you have signs of postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression in birthing mothers or postnatal depression in non-birthing parents. With help and support, you can manage symptoms, feel better sooner, and give your baby what they need to develop well.

Development happens in a similar order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your baby’s development is on track or you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. See your child and family health nurse or GP.

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