Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is more to life than crying, feeding and sleeping? Your wishes are coming true. Your baby's third month will see her become much more interactive. So much so with some babies, that parents secretly sigh, "Why doesn't she ever sleep?" Wonder what to expect in the third month?
Good night baby
Worried that your baby is still not sleeping through the night? Most three month-old babies need at least one feed in the middle of the night. You can try to shorten those night- time feedings by making sure baby's getting enough day long and cutting down the amount baby gets at night.
Co-sleeping is convenient for those nighttime feeds. But research has consistently shown that parents and babies both sleep less. The reason? Your baby's restlessness might prompt you to wake and feed him when he probably would have drifted off to sleep by himself.
More active and more interactive too
Exhausted after a long day of work? Trust baby's genuine smiles to cheer you. Your baby now probably recognizes her parents, whom she rewards with smiles, and sometimes even ah- goos and laughter. Talk to your baby whenever you are around her to hone her language skills. She loves it when you imitate her sounds.
Your baby can now perhaps raise her chest, supported by her arms, when she lies on her stomach. She can focus on objects and reach for them. A three-month old baby occasionally might able to roll over one way.
When you visit your doctor for baby's shots, it is a great idea to prepare a list of questions to ask. Babies reach developmental milestones at different ages, so desist the temptation to compare your baby with another.
Feeding on demand
Parenting on schedule is definitely easier on you than parenting on demand. But scheduling a baby must not be taken to an extreme. Denying a baby a feed because it is not time yet can diminish milk supply and lower weight gain. Parenting against your philosophy is never effective. As always, follow your instinct and baby's cues to set a successful yet flexible schedule.
Stimulating books, games and toys for baby
Every toy you buy for your three month-old baby does not have to bring out his Einstein factor. A mixture of fun and learning works best. Attractive colors, funny sounds, mobiles and rattles interest him. It is never too early to read to baby even though all he seems to want is to grab the book and chew on it.
Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
You can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS or cot death by putting baby to sleep on her back, using a firm mattress, and preventing overheating. It might be a good idea to learn infant CPR techniques if you are worried about SIDS.
Choosing a babysitter
It is a good idea to let baby get used to other people besides mom and dad. Even if you are not going back to work, an occasional night out will work wonders for your relationship with your spouse. There are several child-care alternatives you can choose from. Whatever you choose, watch out for any changes or signs of discomfort in your baby. Your baby's disposition is the best indicator of the quality of childcare he is getting.
In baby's third month, her horizons are slowly expanding. Entertain your baby and get entertained in return. You are just beginning to reap the rewards of parenting.
* About the author *
This article has been provided by ParentingSurvivalGuide.com.
Please visit our web site at http://www.ParentingSurvivalGuide.com to discover more articles.
Copyright 2005 ParentingSurvivalGuide.com, all rights reserved.
This article may be freely republished for noncommercial use as long as the article, including the author information and this reprint policy statement, is republished in its entirety, unedited, and with all links working.
If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More
Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks... Read More
If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More
Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More
The best time to wean your baby onto solid food... Read More
Modern parents want to do everything they can to help... Read More
Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More
Have you found yourself frustrated trying to decide what to... Read More
It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More
Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More
The history of names is so ancient that no one... Read More
Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More
The conversation went something like this:"Hey honey, when we get... Read More
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More
It is a myth that bottle-feeds and breast-feeding is equally... Read More
To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More
There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More
It's one of the few things your child can do... Read More
Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want... Read More
After reading several books about potty training (my son was... Read More
Sounds great ? doesn't it?Or does it sound too good... Read More
When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More
This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More
Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More
As many as one in three babies are born with... Read More
Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive... Read More
Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll... Read More
Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More
The teething process can be a difficult period for both... Read More
What your baby needs and may not need.There are so... Read More
Baby SoapAren't all soap the same, especially baby soap? Do... Read More
Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More
The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More
Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a... Read More
Baby shower cakes are terrific centerpieces for showers. Guests always... Read More
The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments... Read More
Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you... Read More
Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More
An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More
Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More
A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More
Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever.... Read More
About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from... Read More
Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set... Read More
What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More
No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More
There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More
Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More
Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More
Most babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms... Read More
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More
Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting... Read More
This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More
* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More
Besides the fact that they were built to do so,... Read More
One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks... Read More
If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More
There seems to be more and more pressure on parents... Read More
It's true. Colic is MUCH harder on the parent than... Read More
All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More
The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More
Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More
The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More
Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More
Babies & Toddler |