Resources for New Moms

3-Month-Old Milestones

Q:

My 3-month-old baby really smiles when our dog walks into the room. My baby's father thinks this is a coincidence. Can a 3-month-old baby recognize our dog yet?

Yes

Correct!

Yes, at 3 months old, your baby can recognize things and people she knows from a distance.

No

Incorrect!

At 3 months old, your baby can recognize things and people she knows from a distance.

Babies develop in their own way, so it’s impossible to know when your baby will achieve each milestone. The developmental milestones listed here give you an idea of what you can expect for a 3-month-old baby. Check the milestones your child has achieved by the end of 3 months. Talk with your child’s provider at every wellchild visit about the milestones your baby can do and what to expect next. 

What most babies do at 3 months old

  • 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.
  • Tries to touch things hanging in front of them.
  • Grasps and shakes toys in their hand.


Seeing and hearing milestones: 

  • Studies or watches faces.
  • Follows things that move.
  • Recognizes things (like toys) and people she knows from a distance.
  • Starts using hands and eyes together.
  • Smiles at the sound of your voice.
  • Begins to babble.
  • Begins to imitate some sounds.
  • Turns head toward direction of sounds.

 
Talking and playing with others

  • Begins to develop a social smile.
  • Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops.
  • Uses their face and body to talk and express more.
  • Imitates some movements and facial expressions.

 
If you notice your baby can’t do any of the following, talk with your baby’s provider: 

  • Doesn’t seem to respond to loud sounds.
  • Doesn’t notice their hands by 2 months.
  • Doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice by 2 months.
  • Doesn’t follow moving objects with their eyes by 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.