3 months

Just because your child is not performing everything at the selected times does not mean there is something wrong. Some children take a little bit longer to be able to do things on their own. Your child requires stimulation and opportunity to learn and develop. For guidance on age appropriate activities please look at play and ideas.

Child developmental stages

3 months

When I am on my tummy I can lift my head to look around.
I can smile; I like it when you smile back.
If you stick your tongue out, I might copy you.
I can bring my hands to my mouth.
I can open and close my hands.
I like to kick my legs.
I like it when you look at me when you are feeding me

If you are concerned about how your child is doing any of the above activities please ask your health visitor for advice and guidance.

Areas for concern by 3 months

The guide below indicates when you should seek further advice if your child is not making progress towards their age specific targets. Please seek further advice from your health visitor or GP

• Keeps their head to one side or if there is a change in the shape of their skull
• does not smile
• is not soothed and quietened by voices or when they are picked up
• does not turn towards a light or the sound of a rattle
• Is not gaining weight.
• does not coo
• Does not look at and follow a toy or your face.
• Babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk or formula prior to 6 months

Play ideas

A better start in life: Play ideas 0 to 3 months
Produced by the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Free London.