0 - 3 Month Physical Development
Coming to the world is a very challenging adventure for a tiny newborn. This smallest and newest member of your house does not yet know what is around, also is not very aware of its needs. He feels comfortable or restless, but he cannot understand why. For instance, he feels hungry, but he doesn't know what to do with that feeling. The first 3 months is when your baby will notice himself and his surroundings, he can understand that you look after him, you love him, and that he is safe. For you, this is the period of getting to know your new baby and your new life and getting to know each other with your baby.
In the first 3 months of your baby's life, fast and important developments happen. Watching them will be both amazing and enjoyable for you.
At the end of the 1st month;
- When he is laid face downwards, he can raise his head for a short time.
- He can focus on your face when you talk to him.
At the end of the 2nd month;
- He can respond to your smile with a smile.
- He can track an object at a distance of a hand span from its face to the midline.
- He can respond to a rattle in a way (startled, silent, crying).
- He can also make sounds other than crying.
At the end of the 3rd month;
- He can raise his head 45 degrees when lying on his stomach.
- He can follow an object with a distance of a hand span from his face from beginning to end.
These features are the development targets for 0-3 months for each baby to achieve. It would be proper to consult your doctor if you observe deficiency in your baby at these stages.
Apart from these expected development goals, some babies can laugh loudly and spontaneously at the end of the 3rd month, fold both hands, raise his head 90 degrees when he is on his stomach, scream when he is happy, follow an object across his face with his head from one side to another 180 degrees. Some babies can even stand upright at the end of the third month, roll up to one side, raise their chest when he is on his stomach, reach an object, and turn to the direction of the sound. However, these are not expected to be seen in every infant at the end of the third month, only some babies achieve to these features.
More Resources
- 0 - 3 Month Mental and Social Development
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