Last reviewed: November 6, 2026. Checked against current guidance from the CDC (Learn the Signs. Act Early.), the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) and Cleveland Clinic.
In this article, we will discuss some of the things that you can expect your infant to do during the third month of their life (on previously article we wrote about the 2 month old baby milestones and what they can accomplish). We will also provide tips on how to help them reach these milestones.
Development of 3 – 4 Month Old Infant
During the third month of life, your baby’s brain and nervous system continue to develop at an incredible rate. This is the time when your infant will start to become more aware of their surroundings and will start to interact with the world around them.
You may notice that your infant watches you as you move, looks at their own hands with interest and starts to swing their arms at toys. This is also the time when your infant will make cooing sounds like “oooo” and “aahh” and make sounds back when you talk to them. Babbling with consonant sounds usually comes a little later.
Encouraging Development in Infants
There are many things that you can do to help encourage your infant’s development during this critical period. One of the most important things that you can do is to provide them with plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings.
This can be done by placing them on a safe, flat surface like a play mat on the floor, where they can move and interact with their surroundings while you watch them. You should also provide them with safe toys and objects to hold so that they can start to develop their fine motor skills.
Finally, it is important to spend plenty of time talking and singing to your infant. This will help them to develop their communication skills.
3-4 Month Infant Milestones: What to Expect
According to the CDC, by 4 months most babies can:
- Hold their head steady without support when you are holding them
- Push up onto their elbows or forearms when lying on their tummy
- Hold a toy when you put it in their hand, and bring their hands to their mouth
- Smile on their own to get your attention, and chuckle when you try to make them laugh
- Turn their head toward the sound of your voice
- Start to develop a personality, with distinct likes and dislikes
Rolling over usually comes a little later. Most babies roll from tummy to back at around 6 months, and back to tummy often soon after. Some babies roll earlier. As soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, stop swaddling for sleep.
Tips for Development
Here are some tips for helping your infant reach these milestones:
- Encourage your infant to explore their surroundings. This can be done by providing them with toys that they can grasp and shake, or by placing them in front of a mirror so that they can see themselves.
- When your infant is lying on their back on the floor, place a toy just off to one side so they turn and reach for it. This helps build the movements they will later use to roll. Let your baby practice in their own time rather than pushing them over.
- Make sure your infant has plenty of tummy time while awake and watched. This will help them develop the muscles needed to roll over and push up. It also helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head.
- Spend plenty of time talking and singing to your infant. This will help them develop their communication skills. It will also help to form a bond between you and your infant.
- Provide your infant with plenty of opportunities to play with toys that require them to use their hands, such as rattles or teething rings. This will help them develop their fine motor skills.
- Be patient! Each baby progresses at their own pace, and some may reach these milestones earlier or later than others.
What if you feel your baby’s growth is slow?
If you feel that your baby is not progressing at the expected rate, or if you have any other concerns about your infant’s development, please consult with your pediatrician. Don’t wait. Tell the doctor if your baby has lost skills they once had. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, check your baby’s development and provide reassurance if needed. If needed, you can also contact your state’s early intervention program.
Development during the third month of life is critical for laying the foundation for future growth and development. With a little bit of help from you, your infant will reach these milestones and continue to grow and develop into a happy, healthy toddler.
How Can Parents Help With Their Child’s Development?
There are many ways in which parents can help with their child’s development. Let’s take a look at some of those key ways below:
- Get Them The Right Type of Toys: When buying toys for your infant, it’s important to get them ones that will help with their development. Look for toys that they can shake, rattle, and later reach for and crawl after. Also look for ones that have different textures and colors. These will help stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development.
- Place Them In The Proper Positions: When your infant is awake, make sure to place them in different positions. This will help them develop the muscles they need for rolling over and pushing up. It’s also important to give them plenty of tummy time. This position will help strengthen the muscles in their back and neck. For sleep, always place your baby on their back.
- Encourage Them To Explore: It’s important to encourage your infant to explore their surroundings. Provide them with safe objects that they can touch and grasp. Also, try placing them in front of a mirror so they can see themselves. This will help promote self-awareness and cognitive development.
- Speak To Them: Speak to your infant often, even if they don’t seem to be responding. The act of hearing a voice will help promote communication skills and language development. Sing to them as well!
- Have Patience: Each baby develops at their own pace, so it’s important to have patience. If you’re concerned about your infant’s development, consult with your pediatrician. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
- Socialize With Them: Spend time talking and singing to your infant. This will help them develop their communication skills. It’s also important to take them out in public so they can interact with other people and learn how to socialize.
- Talk with Other Parents: When you’re out and about, talk with other parents about their experiences with infant development. You can learn a lot from others and it’s a great way to make connections. It can also help to join a parenting group or class.
- Read Parenting Blogs: There are many great parenting blogs out there that offer advice and support for parents. Reading these blogs can help you learn more about infant development and give your ideas on how to help your child progress.
There are many ways in which parents can help with their child’s development. By following the tips above, you can provide your infant with a solid foundation for future growth and development.
Final Thoughts
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your infant’s development, please consult with your pediatrician. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide reassurance if needed. With a little bit of help from you, your infant will reach these milestones and continue to grow and develop into a happy, healthy toddler.
Some parents may feel overwhelmed when their infant reaches the milestone of three to four months old. This is because many important changes are happening at this stage of development.
However, with a little bit of help from you, your child will reach these milestones and continue to grow and develop into a happy, healthy toddler.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician with questions about your baby’s health.
4 Sources
Newborn Stages uses trusted sources, including government health agencies, children’s hospitals and pediatric organizations, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn how we research, fact-check and keep our content accurate.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Milestones by 4 Months.
- Cleveland Clinic. When Babies Start To Roll Over (and How To Encourage It).
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep.
