Expectations and Activities for Babies 3-4 Months Old

 Let's continue with our series about expectations and activities as your baby grows.

At 3-4 months your baby has improved his head control so that he can sit with support. He has also begun to experiment with the initial stages of rolling. Your baby has begun looking at and reaching for objects. Your baby manipulates a rattle purposefully and has begun to explore objects with his mouth. He will be reaching with both hands and can bring his hands together. Your baby will be tracking moving objects from a supported sitting position. He will start to recognize objects visually and explore them through mouthing. Your baby is now able to return your smiles and make cooing noises.

During this stage your baby should begin to tolerate tummy time for longer periods. You can offer him tummy time mats, toys, and a tummy time spinner. You can help your baby practice sitting with a boppy, a c shaped, pillow.  Provide a gymini or similar overhanging toys for your baby to look at and reach for when on his back. Offer your baby rings and small rattles.  Attach portable toys and portable mobiles to car seats and carriages. Continue encouraging eye contact and conversation with your baby. Your baby will be responding well to touch and massage.

Expectations and Activities for Your Newborn

The next few blog post will be a series that will review each stage of baby development, what to expect at each stage and what games and activities to engage in at every stage. Lets begin at the first couple of months of life.

At 1-2 months you can expect your infant to begin to develop some head control and the ability to lift her head  when on her stomach. Your infant should be actively kicking her feet, stretching, and moving her arms. Your infant should be able to bring her hands to her mouth and grasp a rattle involuntarily. Your infant will start to make eye contact and track slow moving objects. Your infant will be interested in contrast patterns.  Your infant should be enjoying physical contact with you and listening to your familiar voice.

During this stage your infant should be getting adequate tummy time.  You should be offering your infant small rings to grasp. Be sure to have a mobile and pictures with strong contrasts for your infant to look at. Items should be 8 to 12 inches from your babies face. Try to get your infant to track objects or your face. Seek out and maintain eye contact. Talk to your infant. Take care to ensure that your baby is being held on the left and right side during feedings. Massage and swaddle your infant.

This early stage is short lived, your newborn will only be this tiny and dependent on you for a very short time.  Don't miss the interactive opportunities you have at this fleeting stage of development.