The third month is when a baby discovers their own body. The hands are no longer objects that move at random but parts that can be controlled.

What to expect this month

Social and language

  • Back-and-forth exchanges of sound: going quiet when you speak, then making a sound
  • Vowel sounds such as "aaa" and "ooo" (cooing)
  • Becoming animated and smiling at familiar faces

Movement

  • Pushing up on the elbows while on the tummy and lifting the chest
  • Holding the head upright for longer
  • Bringing the hands together at the midline and looking at them
  • Trying to bat at an object held in front of them

Vision

  • Following an object through 180 degrees
  • Interest in colourful objects and high-contrast patterns

Feeding

Breast milk alone is enough; it is still too early to start solids. Feeding intervals may lengthen a little. Vitamin D supplementation continues. At this age no food other than breast milk or formula is advised — not water, not fruit juice.

Sleep

Night-time sleep begins to lengthen. Some babies have unbroken blocks of 5-6 hours and some do not; both are normal. Three to four short daytime naps are typical. This is a good period to start settling a sleep routine (bath, dim light, the same order each night).

This month's vaccinations

There is no vaccine at month 3 in the national schedule. Vaccines are given at 2, 4 and 6 months. This month is suitable for a well-child check and growth monitoring.

When to see a doctor

  • If the head cannot be held upright at all
  • If the hands are constantly held in a tight fist and never open
  • If there is no response to loud sounds
  • If there is no eye contact and faces are not followed
  • If the baby makes no sounds at all
  • If weight gain has stopped

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