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The 3-month-old baby stays awake longer and is interested in what is around him, besides being able to turn his head in the direction of the sound he heard and start to have more facial expressions that can indicate joy, fear, indecision and pain for example. The mother's voice, being the baby's favorite sound, is the best option to calm him during the crying that can accompany the discovery of what is around.
During this period, the first tears may also appear, as the lacrimal glands already begin to function, in addition to being the last month of intestinal colic.
What does the baby with 3 months
In the 3rd month the baby begins to develop motor coordination of arms, legs and hands. The baby can move the limbs simultaneously, join hands and open fingers, in addition to lifting the head and shaking the toys, smiles when stimulated and can cry out. Furthermore, if the baby is alone, he is able to search for someone with his eyes.
Baby weight at 3 months
The following table gives indications about the weight and other measures expected in the baby of this age:
| Boys | Girls |
Weight | 5.1 to 7.5 kg | 4.9 to 6.8 kg |
Stature | 58 to 64 cm | 56 to 63 cm |
Cephalic perimeter | 38.5 to 42.5 cm | 37.5 to 41 cm |
Monthly weight gain | 750 g | 750 g |
On average, at this stage of development the weight gain is 750g per month. However, it is only an estimate, and it is recommended to consult the pediatrician according to the child's handbook, to confirm the state of health and growth, as each baby is unique and can have its own rate of growth and development.
Baby sleep at 3 months
The 3-month-old baby's sleep begins to regularize. The internal clock starts to synchronize with the family's routine, on average 15 hours a day. Many can sleep all night, however, it is necessary to wake them up and offer milk every 3 hours.
Diapers should be changed whenever the baby poops, as this ends up disturbing his sleep, but you should avoid making these changes during the night so that sleep is not interrupted, and when possible, leave him without diapers for half an hour, to prevent diaper rash.
The baby can sleep from sleeping on his side or on his back, but never on his stomach, with his belly down, this position increases the risk of sudden infant death. See how sudden death syndrome occurs and how to avoid it.
Baby development at 3 months
The 3-month-old baby is able to lift and control his head when he is on his stomach, stares showing preference for some objects and people, in addition to smiling in response to a gesture or the words of an adult, being more interactive. Usually the movements are slow and repeated, as the baby is realizing that he can control his body.
Once the vision is clearer, to use it more to relate to those around him, now babbling the vowels A, E and O, smiling and looking at people, he has also learned to use vision and hearing together because if it happens a noise already raises its head and looks for its origin.
In certain cases, during the day the baby may present some degree of strabismus, as if he was squinting, this is because there is not yet complete control of the eye muscles. Just cover your eyes with your hands for 2 seconds, which are back to normal.
However, it is important to be aware of the baby's reactions to the stimuli attributed to it, since it is from this age that problems such as hearing or vision deficits can be diagnosed. Check out how to identify the baby does not listen well.
Play for baby with 3 months
Play at 3 months can be useful to stimulate and increase the bond with the baby, and it is recommended that at this age parents:
- Let the baby put his hand to his mouth so that he starts to be interested in picking up objects;
- Reading to the baby, varying the tone of the voice, using accents or singing, as this will help to develop hearing and increase the affective bond;
- Stimulate baby's touch with different materials;
- When playing with the baby, allow time for him to react and respond to the stimulus.
It is important that baby toys are large, pointless and in the correct age range. In addition, stuffed animals should be avoided at this age, as they can trigger allergies.
Baby feeding at 3 months
The 3-month-old baby should be fed exclusively by breastfeeding or formula, and it is recommended that the baby be kept for 6 months. There is no need for supplements, such as water, teas or juices, as breastfeeding is enough to maintain the baby's nutrition and hydration until the 6th month. Learn the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.
How to avoid accidents at this stage
To avoid accidents with the baby at 3 months, the adoption of safety measures by parents is essential. Some measures to prevent accidents can be:
- Transport the baby in the appropriate car seat, never on your lap;
- Do not leave the baby alone on a table, sofa or bed, to avoid falls;
- Do not put threads or cords on the baby's neck or to hang the pacifier;
- The mattress must be adapted and attached to the bed or cot;
- Check the temperature of the bath water and milk in case of formula use;
- Do not place objects on the baby's bed or crib;
In addition, when walking with the baby it is necessary to stay in the shade and make use of clothes that cover the entire body. At this age, it is not recommended for the baby to go to the beach, sunbathe, use sunscreen or travel.