Developmental Milestones by the End of 3 Months

Movement

• Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
• Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach
• Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back
• Opens and shuts hands
• Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
• Brings hand to mouth
• Takes swipes at dangling objects with hands
• Grasps and shakes hand toys

Visual

• Watches faces intently
• Follows moving objects
• Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
• Starts using hands and eyes in coordination

Hearing and Speech

• Smiles at the sound of your voice
• Begins to babble
• Begins to imitate some sounds
• Turns head toward direction of sound

Social/Emotional

• Begins to develop a social smile
• Enjoys playing with other people, and may cry when playing stops
• Becomes more communicative and expressive with face and body
• Imitates some movements and facial expressions

Developmental Health Watch

Although each baby develops in her own individual way and at her own rate, failure to reach certain milestones may signal medical or developmental problems requiring special attention. If you notice any of the following warning signs in your infant at this age, discuss them with your pediatrician.

• Still has Moro reflex after 4 months
• Doesn't seem to respond to loud sounds
• Doesn't notice her hands by 2 months
• Doesn't smile at the sound of your voice by 2 months
• Doesn't follow moving objects with her eyes by 2 to 3 months
• Doesn't grasp and hold objects by 3 months
• Doesn't smile at people by 3 months
• Cannot support her head well at 3 months
• Doesn't reach for and grasp toys by 3 to 4 months
• Doesn't babble by 3 to 4 months
• Doesn't bring objects to her mouth by 4 months
• Begins babbling, but doesn't try to imitate any of your sounds by 4 months
• Doesn't push down with legs when feet are placed on a firm surface by 4 months
• Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
• Crosses her eyes most of the time. (Occasional crossing of the eyes is normal in these first months.)
• Doesn't pay attention to new faces, or seems very frightened by new faces or surroundings
• Still has the tonic neck reflex at 4 to 5 months