As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to care for a 3-month-old infant. However, with the right information and guidance, you can navigate this exciting and challenging time with ease.

We sat down with psychologist Alexandra Kappatou to get expert advice on how parents can best care for their 3-month-old babies.

Establishing a Routine

1. Stick to a feeding and sleeping schedule. At three months old, infants are typically waking up every 2-3 hours to feed and sleep for up to 16 hours a day.

Creating a feeding and sleeping schedule can help establish a sense of routine for both you and your baby.

2. Introduce tummy time. Tummy time is essential for strengthening your baby’s neck and arm muscles. Start with short tummy time sessions and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable on their stomach.

Aim for at least 20 minutes of tummy time per day.

3. Encourage playtime. At three months old, your baby is becoming more alert and interested in the world around them.

Engage in simple activities such as reading, singing, and playing with toys to stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development.

Physical Development

4. Promote good posture. Encourage your baby to sit up with support and avoid prolonged periods in car seats or swings that can affect their spinal alignment.

Place a rolled-up towel or blanket behind your baby’s back when seated to support their posture.

5. Monitor milestones. At three months old, your baby should be able to hold their head up when lying on their stomach and may start rolling from their back to their side.

However, every baby develops at their own pace, so consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s physical development.

6. Provide sensory stimulation. Sensory stimulation can help your baby develop their visual, auditory, and tactile senses.

Use toys with varying textures and colors, and expose your baby to different sounds and music to promote sensory development.

Emotional and Mental Development

7. Respond to your baby’s cues. Babies communicate their needs through a variety of cues such as crying, fussing, or cooing.

Responding to your baby’s cues can help build a sense of trust and security, promoting emotional development.

8. Establish a bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby feel more secure and relaxed, promoting better sleep. This can include a bedtime story, bath, and lullaby.

9. Encourage social interaction. At three months old, your baby is developing their social skills.

Encourage positive social interaction by introducing them to family members and friends, and playing games such as peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake.