1 to 3 Months
How much will my baby grow? |
What can my baby do? |
What can my baby say? |
What does my baby understand? |
How to help increase emotional security |
Contact us
How much will my baby grow?
While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 1 to 3 months of age.
Weight: average gain of about 1 ½ to 2 pounds each month
Height: average growth of over 1 inch each month
Head size: average growth of about ½ inch each month
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What can my baby do at this age?
As your baby begins to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. Babies at this age begin to relax the tight muscle tone of newborns and begin extending their arms and legs more.
While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your baby may reach in this age group:
Most reflexes begin to disappear
Neck muscles become stronger, head bobs then is held erect
Turns head from side to side when placed on stomach
Brings hands or objects to mouth
Looks at hands
Follows light, faces, objects
Listens to sounds
Opens and closes hands
Holds, then drops a rattle or other object
Active leg movements
At the end of 3 months:
Raises head and chest when placed on stomach
Beginning to reach hands to objects, may bat at hanging object with hands
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What can my baby say?
It is very exciting for parents to watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others.
While every baby develops speech at his / her own rate, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:
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What does my baby understand?
A baby's understanding and awareness of the world around him / her increases during this time.
While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:
Knows familiar voices, especially of mother and father
Smiles in response to others
Responds to social contact, may coo
Moves arms, legs, body in rhythm with other's voice
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How to help increase your baby's development and emotional security
Young babies need the safety of a parent's arms, and they understand the reassurance and comfort of your voice, tone, and emotions.
Consider the following as ways to foster emotional comfort of your newborn:
Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact
Talk to your baby with a soothing voice
Give your baby rattles and soft toys with different sounds
Let your baby hear different sounds (i.e., wind chime, ticking clock, soft music, music box)
Show your baby bright pictures of black and white images
Hang a mobile with bright objects above your baby
Call your baby by name
Hold your baby during feedings and provide comfort when he / she is distressed
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Revised 8/04; 5/06
