The first three months of your baby’s life are a whirlwind of growth and change. By the end of this “fourth trimester,” many parents notice their newborn beginning to feel more like a social little person, with clearer communication, stronger movements, and growing curiosity about the world. While every baby develops at their own pace, there are some common milestones in motor, verbal, and cognitive skills you might see around three months of age.
Motor skills – building strength and control
At three months, your baby’s muscles are getting stronger and more coordinated. Tummy time is now paying off: many babies can lift their head and chest while on their tummy, propping themselves up on their forearms like a mini push-up. This is a big step towards future rolling and crawling.
You may also notice smoother movements in their arms and legs. Gone are the jerky reflex flails of a newborn. Your baby might bring their hands together, open and close their fists, and bat at hanging toys during play. Some babies even start trying to swipe or grasp objects, though their grip is still developing.
Verbal skills – finding their voice
Your baby’s communication is evolving too. Around this age, cooing begins in earnest. You might hear soft “ahh” and “ooh” sounds as they experiment with their vocal cords. They’ll often respond to your voice with big smiles and happy gurgles, showing early signs of back-and-forth “conversations.”
Responding warmly when they coo helps reinforce this social skill. Many babies also start turning their head toward familiar voices and sounds, showing growing awareness of the people around them.
Cognitive skills – exploring the world
At three months, your baby’s brain is rapidly developing, and so is their ability to process what they see and hear. Vision sharpens to about 20–30 cm – perfect for focusing on your face. Babies can now track moving objects with their eyes and show clear interest in bold patterns and contrasting colours.
Their memory is improving too. They may recognise familiar faces and voices, calming when they hear a parent or carer nearby. Some babies also begin showing early anticipation, like getting excited when they see a bottle or breast before feeding.
Every baby is different
It’s important to remember that developmental timelines vary. Some babies may reach these milestones a little earlier or later, and that’s perfectly normal. Milestones are a guide, not a strict checklist.
If you notice your baby isn’t making eye contact, doesn’t react to loud sounds, or seems very floppy or stiff in their movements, it’s worth mentioning to your health visitor or GP.
Supporting their growth
Encourage your baby’s development through simple play. Tummy time strengthens muscles, while talking and singing build early language skills. Hold toys within reach and let them explore with their eyes and hands. Most of all, enjoy these first glimpses of your baby’s emerging personality – there’s so much more to come.
