3 Months Milestone

Here’s what to expect in the first three months of your baby’s life.

The majority of children will achieve these development milestones by the time they turn 3 months. All children develop at different rates. Some children are slower than others (developmentally delayed) but catch up with time. Other children, however, may have an underlying problem that causes their development to be delayed, and they may not catch up.

Download Checklist

Evaluate your child with this checklist

It is important for these children to get as much treatment (early intervention) as possible. So if you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s development, see your child health nurse or doctor for help as soon as you can. If in doubt, it is better to have your concerns checked than to ‘wait and see’.

Gross Motor

  • Lift head when lying on tummy
  • Lift head when pulled to sitting position
  • Kick vigorously
  • Hold back firm when held in sitting position
  • Any differences between right and left sides of body (in strength, movement or muscle tone)
  • Head falls back when pulled to sitting position

Fine Motor

  • Follow objects from side to side with eyes
  • Hold object briefly in hand
  • Look at own hand
  • Persistent fisting of hands (doesn’t let go of objects)

Talking and understanding

  • Cry
  • Take turns in vocalising (making voice sounds)
  • Make two or more speech sounds
  • Laugh
  • Respond to sound
  • Search for sound with eyes
  • Respond to mother’s voice

Social

  • Enjoy being touched or picked up
  • Smile
  • Recognise mother

Intellectual

  • Make active movements
  • Put hands to mouth
  • Show an active, visual interest in the world and people
  • Have times of being alert

Youthrive is providing this as general information only and it should not be relied upon as professional or medical advice. You should seek professional and medical advice for particular health concerns or manifestations. Our best efforts have been used to ensure this information is considered correct and current in accordance with accepted best practice in Queensland as at the date of production.

Originally produced by Child Development Network.

First Appointment

If you are a parent who has not had any experience with therapy services for your child, the process can seem quite overwhelming. Here’s what to expect at your first appointment.

1

Initial Consultation

The initial appointment is typically one hour in duration. Your child will attend this session for Speech Pathology, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy. For Psychology appointments you will need to check if your child is required for the initial consultation at the time of booking.

2

Information Session

The therapist will ask detailed information about your child’s family history, health and development, education and any concerns you may have.

3

Goals & Assessment

An assessment may be commenced during this initial appointment and goals for therapy will be established.

Make an Appointment