Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    Moms love nothing more than a handmade present on Mother's Day. Help the kids make mom feel special with a creative gift from the heart!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Babies
  3. Baby Development
  4. Baby Growth & Development
  5. Baby Growth and Development: 1-3 Month Milestones

Baby Growth and Development: 1-3 Month Milestones

By Catie Bielecki
Updated October 03, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
baby girl crawling
Credit: George Rudy/Shutterstock
What should a baby be doing at 3 months, 2 months, or 1 month? These tips will help your little one reach key developmental markers.
Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Watch Your Face

mom and baby
Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK

Your baby will start processing your face as a whole, instead of just focusing on individual features like eyes. Consider buying an unbreakable mirror to hang near your baby's crib or changing table; she’ll love seeing her own facial expressions and movements.

  • RELATED: Baby Milestones Chart: A Week-by-Week Guide to Development

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Smile at Your Voice

Quizler Newborn IQ Study Up Result Fussy Baby In Mothers Lap
Credit: Shutterstock

As an important 1 month milestone, your baby will smile when he recognizes your voice, since it reminds him of food, comfort, and warmth. Speak to him with dramatic baby talk; high-pitched, slow, and exaggerated voices are his favorite. 

2 of 18

3 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Develop a Social Smile

Smiling baby
Credit: OPOLJA/ Shutterstock

Soon your baby will develop a genuine gummy grin. Encourage this adorable 1 month milestone by "smile-talking" with her. Sometimes she'll aim a big smile at you and even babble to catch your attention. Immediately smile back. 

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bring Hand to Mouth

Baby laying on tummy, sucking his fist
Credit: Shutterstock

Even if it seems like your baby is slapping himself, let him try bringing his fingers to his mouth. This is an important 2 month baby milestone. He will eventually reach his destination, and he'll be able to suck on his thumb whenever he pleases.

  • RELATED: 10 Things to Know About Newborns

4 of 18

5 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Track Moving Objects

baby senses
Credit: Getty Images

As your baby’s vision develops, he should follow moving objects with his eyes. Encourage this 3 month milestone by hanging a bright mobile over the crib or changing table. Set it at a low speed at first, and as Baby gets better at following the objects, gradually increase the speed setting.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Babble

mom and dad holding baby's head
Credit: Oksana Kuzmina/shutterstock.com

Months before uttering her first word, Baby will babble as a form of verbal communication. Parents should read to their little ones often; babies especially love books with bright pictures and high-contrast patterns that provide visual stimulation. 

  • RELATED: The Sweetest Baby Milestones (and When to Expect Them)

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Raise Head and Chest

benefits of tummy time for baby
Credit: jelly/Pixabay

In his first few months of life, your baby should lift his head—even if it’s just for a few seconds—during tummy time. This action will strengthen his neck muscles. Soon enough he’ll lift his arms and shoulders as well. 

7 of 18

8 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stretch and Kick While Lying Down

Baby Laying Down Tiny Feet Blue Onesie
Credit: Picsea/Unsplash

As Baby develops lower body strength, she may stretch and kick while lying down. Some babies learn to roll from front to back as a 3 month milestone; make sure you pay close attention so she doesn't roll into danger or off her changing table.

  • RELATED: 30 Little Ways to Bond With Baby

8 of 18

9 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Enjoy Other Babies

Three babies wearing colorful onesies
Credit:  Jade Albert Studio, Inc/Getty Images

Babies can be social, too! When your child is alert and happy, let friends and family hold him. As he becomes more comfortable with others, join a playgroup with children near his age. Also be prepared for Baby to cry when playtime ends. 

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Recognize Objects and People from a Distance

This Mom's Viral DIY Teething Hack Will Bring You and Your Baby Peace
Credit: OPOLJA/Shutterstock

Your baby recognized you up-close soon after birth, but as her vision develops, she’ll begin recognizing people and objects from afar. When you enter a room, talk to your baby from the doorway. If she can't seem to find you, move a few feet closer. Catching Baby looking out the window is another sign her distance vision is developing well.

  • RELATED: 12 Milestones You Shouldn't Overlook

10 of 18

11 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Imitate Sounds

baby smiling and laughing
Credit: Shutterstock

Babies learn by imitation, so he’ll begin to mimic sounds at around 3 months. Consider phasing baby talk out of your speech. Babies learn a lot about inflection and cadence by listening to adult language.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Become Physically Expressive

crying baby hates tummy time
Credit: pinkpig0416/Pixabay

Your baby will become more communicative with his face and body language. For example,  screaming and crying are signs she is hungry, wet, tired, lonely, or uncomfortable. As you become more in touch with her signals, you might be able to respond to her needs before she is even sure what's wrong.

  • RELATED: Your Newborn: 30 Tips for the First 30 Days

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Open and Shut Hands

Baby hand in big hand
Credit: phloxii/Shutterstock

Another important 3 month old milestone: your baby will open and close his hands. Because he might not realize the hands belong to him, he will become fascinated when they accidentally come into view. Encourage development by placing a rattle or toy in his open hand and seeing if he grips it. 

13 of 18

14 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Develop Hand-Eye Coordination

Sunlight On Baby Laying On White Rug
Credit: Daria Shevtsova/Pexels

An improvement in vision and motor skills leads to hand-eye coordination around 3 months. To practice, place your baby on your lap and slowly move a soft toy in front of his face. Encourage him to bat at the object with his hand. Even if he doesn't make contact at first, the practice will help develop his skills and depth perception.

  • RELATED: Helping Baby Reach Physical Milestones

14 of 18

15 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turn Head Toward Sound

Four Baby Exercises Smiling Baby Laying On Back
Credit: Shutterstock

Around 3 months, your little one may turn his head toward an intriguing sounds. Encourage this cognitive development by introducing your baby to lots of different sounds—sing to her, take her on errands, and go for walks. Don't be afraid to expose her to crowds or live family-friendly music performances. (But she will still become startled by loud noises, so be prepared to soothe her if an experience overwhelms her.)

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Imitate Movements

mom playing with happy baby on white blanket
Credit: Shutterstock

Besides mimicking your sounds, Baby will also imitate your movements and facial expressions. Play along by sitting with your baby facing you on your lap, holding his hands in yours, and singing nursery rhymes with motions. 

  • RELATED: 50 Simple Ways to Make Your Baby Smarter

16 of 18

17 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Push Down on Legs

Mothers Hand Holding Babys Feet
Credit: Liudmila Fadzeyeva/Shutterstock

Your baby is slowly developing strength in his legs. Lift him up so his feet rest on a firm surface, then straighten and bend his knees to practice balance. 

17 of 18

18 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grasp and Shake Objects

baby holding rattle
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

When given toys, your baby might grasp and shake them. She should also be able to reach for objects around 3 months. Dangle a toy barely out of her reach and see if she swipes at it with excitement.

  • RELATED: 7 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18 Watch Your Face
    2 of 18 Smile at Your Voice
    3 of 18 Develop a Social Smile
    4 of 18 Bring Hand to Mouth
    5 of 18 Track Moving Objects
    6 of 18 Babble
    7 of 18 Raise Head and Chest
    8 of 18 Stretch and Kick While Lying Down
    9 of 18 Enjoy Other Babies
    10 of 18 Recognize Objects and People from a Distance
    11 of 18 Imitate Sounds
    12 of 18 Become Physically Expressive
    13 of 18 Open and Shut Hands
    14 of 18 Develop Hand-Eye Coordination
    15 of 18 Turn Head Toward Sound
    16 of 18 Imitate Movements
    17 of 18 Push Down on Legs
    18 of 18 Grasp and Shake Objects

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Parents

    • Diaper Bags
    • Maternity Clothing
    • Prenatal Vitamins
    • Car Seats
    • Breast Pumps
    • Maternity Dresses
    • Baby Shower Gifts
    • Baby Gates
    • Pregnancy Pillows
    • Kids Backpacks
    • Shop More Next

    Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    View image

    Baby Growth and Development: 1-3 Month Milestones
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.