Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my third month, I’m learning and doing so many new things? Here’s what I’ve been up to:
The Benefits of My Early Development
Gross Motor Skills I’m getting better at head control and can raise my head 45 degrees while lying facedown. I can also hold my head straight when you hold me in a vertical position. I perform mini-pushups by lifting my head and shoulders high with my arms when I’m on my tummy. I turn my head in all directions while lying on pillows or other types of support.
Fine Motor Skills: I can sometimes grab and shake items with my hands, though I still lack accuracy. I pull hanging toys and bring them to my mouth.
Cognitive Development: I can mimic some simple actions, like opening and closing my eyes or sticking out my tongue. I explore my face using my hands, discovering different features like my eyes and mouth. I look at objects and try to put them in my mouth. I’m becoming aware of the actions/reactions relationship between my hand movements and objects (e.g., the rattle makes noise when shaken). I smile and talk more when I’m with a person compared to an image or object.
Speech Development: I combine gurgles and vocal play, making isolated vowel-like and consonant-like sounds. I pay attention to the sounds of words and listen to adult conversations.
Sensory Development: I’m learning to adjust my focus for objects at different distances. I look closely while opening and closing my own hands. I show interest in smelling different types of scents. I react excitedly when music starts and might protest when it stops. I have increased coordination between sound and body movement and am more likely to turn my head to a sound source.
Social-Emotional Development: I smile often, easily, and spontaneously. I’m interested in and able to smile at my own image in a mirror. I respond positively to touch.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Development Highlights: I move my hands and use them with increased variety and agility, but my movements still lack fluidity. I began to develop hand-eye coordination. I stare at the place where an object has fallen. I still sleep a lot-around 15 hours per day, including naps. My sleeping, feeding, and activity patterns are beginning to establish themselves.
Physical Development: I begin to take weight on my hands during tummy time for a few seconds. I look closely at objects and try to grab them if they are held close to my face and hand. I apply pressure and push back when my feet are against something firm. I grasp a toy for some time when given to my open hand. I raise and hold my hands and neck for a longer period during tummy time, showing strength in my neck. I can turn my head to the left and right while tracking objects. I kick with force when lying on my back or stomach. I can move my hands to hold a toy nearby and open or close my hands with intention. I can take my hands and other objects to my mouth. I make an attempt to turn my body to one side.
How to Support My Development
Communication Development: I make various kinds of sounds, like cooing, giggling, babbling, gurgling, etc. I try to communicate with small bursts of sound and hand or leg movements as you speak to me while gazing into your eyes. I can track the source of nearby noise by turning my head in the direction of the sound. I show a clear preference for certain rhymes or music and pay more attention to or show excitement for my favorite rhymes. I may protest when they stop. My crying pattern varies as per the cause of the crying. My crying tone differs depending on the cause, like pain, hunger, discomfort, and sleep.
Social and Emotional Development: I respond to communication with others by smiling, gazing, and moving my hands and legs to show excitement or joy. I recognize familiar faces and show a preference for familiar people by crying or staring without expressions when handled by unknown people. I recognize your voice, Mumma and Dada, and stop crying or smiling when I hear it. I smile back when familiar people smile at me and show a neutral face, or I cry when I see a sad or crying face. I draw attention to myself when I’m hungry, distressed, during motion time, or when I need sleep—using varying actions, sounds, and expressions.
Conclusion
Research shows that these early developmental milestones are crucial for my growth and learning. According to studies in Pediatrics and Infant Behavior & Development, engaging with me through talking, playing, and responding to my needs helps enhance my cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.
Maa and Daddy, your love and interaction play a significant role in my development. Keep talking, playing, and cuddling with me, and watch how I grow and learn every day!