What you can expect at 3-4 months
Your baby will have come a long way in the last three months and many parents find that this is a hugely enjoyable time. You have more confidence as a parent, and your baby is becoming more sociable and enjoys being with you.
You’ll probably also have learned enough about her personality and behaviour to understand what she wants . . . most of the time!
Your baby will be able to recognise you now, as well as a couple of other familiar faces. You’ll notice that she is able to make more noises and louder sounds and chuckles when she interacts with people.
Around now is a good time to think about an evening routine. If you follow a similar pattern each night, you’ll find that your baby will start to show excitement as she knows what to expect – for example she’ll know that after her bath she gets a feed and a story before going to bed. Some babies may even start to sleep through the night at this point . . . but most don’t!
At 3-4 months your baby may be able to...
- keep her head up almost straight when she’s in a sitting position (make sure she’s supported) and her back is straighter than before
- wave and kick more forcefully – make sure there’s nothing dangerous such as hot drinks for her to kick over
- open her fingers and bring her hands together
- wriggle: so there’s a risk she may fall out of your arms, off the bed or other high surfaces
- follow sounds – try ringing a little bell behind her and moving it around
- ‘stand’ on your lap with your help and, by four months, may be starting to take some of her own weight, but only when she’s supported
- support her head and chest with her arms when lying on her stomach
- open and shut her hands and start to use her hands and eyes to coordinate
- begin to babble and imitate some sounds
- enjoy playing with other people.
