Time flies! Your baby already has three months and you hardly even noticed. Even before birth, your little one recognized you perfectly, but now he does so even more clearly. Although he may still be friendly with strangers, he will begin to develop a preference towards you, your partner and other people close to your immediate environment.
The evolution of your baby in this third month of life is dizzying both in its physical development as well as emotionally. It's amazing to witness these transformations!
Rest and sleep routines
Your baby's rest time continues to regulate little by little. Some three-month-old babies are already able to sleep until six hours in a row. However, if this is not yet the case for your little one, do not despair. Many babies do not manage to sleep through the night until they reach six months of age. This sleep pattern can vary widely from child to child, so you will need to accompany your baby with patience y love, adjusting their routines to consolidate restful sleep.
During this stage, establish a sleep routine It is crucial to encourage healthy habits. For example, taking a relaxing bath, reading a story or singing a lullaby before bed can help calm your baby. Also, try to always put your baby to bed at the same time. hour so that he learns to identify the moment of sleep.
Interaction and communication
At this age, your baby's interaction with people close to him increases dramatically. significant. He can now smile when you talk to him or play with him, and he may even stop sucking on his breast, bottle or finger to pay attention to what you say. This is an ideal time to strengthen the emotional bond through eye contact, caresses and words.
A fun way to stimulate your child's curiosity and perception is to show him a mirror. Although he doesn't recognize himself yet, he will love to look at his own reflection. He will most likely smile and even “talk” to the image he sees! Encouraging this type of play will help him develop social skills and will strengthen your observation skills.
Physical development: coordination and movements
As your baby grows, his/her motor skills improve significantly. He is now able to open and close his hands with greater control, grasp objects such as rattles and light toys, and even shake them enthusiastically. Toys with bright colors and soft sounds are ideal for capturing his attention and stimulating his senses. Hoops that he can hold with both hands are especially helpful in strengthening his grasp. coordination.
It's important to be careful with the objects you leave within reach. At this age, your baby will be exploring the world around him by putting everything in his mouth. Make sure that toys are safe, do not have small detachable parts and are easy to clean.
Home security
At this stage, your baby begins to move more actively, so you should take extreme care of yourself. PrecautionsIf you need to leave your baby alone for a while, make sure he or she is in a safe place, such as a crib with tight-fitting guardrails. Avoid letting him or her nap on surfaces such as the couch or bed, as he or she may roll over and fall. If you decide to share a bed with your baby to avoid nighttime travel, learn how to practice safe co-sleeping to prevent accidents.
Avoid falls and accidents
- Use safety barriers on beds and sofas.
- Place non-slip mats in risk areas.
- Make sure there are no small objects within reach.
Cognitive development: the first achievements
Your baby's brain is in a stage of rapid development. At three months, his ability to follow moving objects and recognize familiar faces becomes more evident. He is now able to combine his sight and hands to manipulate objects with greater precision, which helps him strengthen his motor skills. eye-hand coordination.
He also begins to enjoy bright colors and simple geometric shapes. Introducing primary colors into your child’s environment, such as red, blue, or green toys, will help stimulate their visual development.
Feeding and growth patterns
At this stage, your baby has probably gained between 500g and 1kg in weight and grown between 2,5 and 5cm in the last month. His diet continues to be exclusively made of breastmilk or formula, since they are the only sources of nutrients needed until six months of age.
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to follow a balanced feeding, since everything you consume influences the quality of the milk. On the other hand, if you use formula, make sure that it is prepared correctly and always following the pediatrician's instructions.
Games and activities to encourage their development
Play is an essential tool to stimulate your baby's physical, cognitive and emotional development. Here are some ideas:
- Tummy time: Place your baby on his tummy on a safe surface and monitor how he lifts his head and chest. This will strengthen the muscles of the neck and back.
- Interaction with toys: Provide safe objects for your baby to manipulate, such as rattles or toys with different textures.
- Reading and music: Reading short stories and playing nursery rhymes are great ways to stimulate language and memory.
Remember that every baby is unique and develops at his own pace. The most important thing is to provide him with an environment full of love, care and appropriate stimulation that allows him to explore and learn about the world around him.
Prevention of common problems
It is common for babies at this age to experience inconvenience related to growth. Some may experience gum irritation or constipation. If this is the case, consult your pediatrician for specific recommendations.
It is also important to pay attention to possible signs of developmental delay, such as difficulty holding the head up, lack of interest in sounds or inability to follow objects with the eyes. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
This period is one of the most beautiful and enriching in your baby's development. Pay close attention to each small achievement and enjoy these unique moments that will fly by. It is a privilege to accompany your baby in his first steps towards the world around him!