Home > Your baby 0 - 3 months > What your baby’s doing at 0 - 3 months
If, like most new mums and dads, you’re spending a lot of time just watching the little miracle that is your newborn baby, you might think they don’t actually do that much – other than sleep, feed and look beautiful! But there’s actually a lot more going on than you might think, and each day they’ll show you something new – from grasping your thumb to reacting to your touch. Remember – if you have any questions, just ask.
Lisa, baby care advisor and mum
There’s a lot more happening than just feeding and sleeping. Discover the new skills they're quietly learning.
0 - 3 months: how your baby's growing
Your baby is growing before your very eyes! Learn about the physical changes to expect as they gain weight and grow.
0 - 3 months: what your baby's saying
Learn how your baby expresses their needs and feelings through sounds from day one!
0 - 3 months: what your baby's seeing
Learn how your baby's eyesight is changing, from recognising mum and dad to showing more interest in their surroundings.
0 - 3 months: your baby's bones
Learn how your baby's bones start to change and harden after birth, becoming stronger as they grow.
0 - 3 months: your baby's brain
Sights and sounds all contribute to your baby's early brain development. Learn why good nutrition is important too.
0 - 3 months: your baby’s digestion
Babies need milk little and often and it's common for them to posset. Learn all about their digestion to discover why.
0 - 3 months: feeding your baby
Babies need lots of energy and nutrients - all from milk! Learn about your feeding choices and their changing appetite.
Bathing your baby
Feeling nervous about bath time with your baby? We've got plenty of useful tips and advice to help you feel more relaxed.
Changing a nappy
Nappy changing can take a little practice. We've got plenty of helpful tips and advice to help you prepare.
Breast feeding positions
Unsure about breast feeding positions? We'll help you find one that's right for you and your baby.
Sterilising your feeding equipment
There are a number of ways to sterilise feeding equipment. We've got plenty of practical advice to share with you.
Your newborn baby has spent months snuggled up inside the relative peace and quiet of your womb. So it’s no surprise that most of their first week is spent getting used to the amazing new wide world around them! They’re born with natural reflex actions which they’ll rely on until their eyesight improves and muscles strengthen. At this young age, they’ll tightly grasp anything you place in their hand, instinctively turn towards anything that brushes their cheek, and suck on any soft object placed in their mouth.
By 1 month they’ll probably be able to lift their head briefly when lying on their tummy. Their hands will remain clenched in a tight fist and fingers will automatically curl around anything put into their palm. This grasp reflex is one of the many natural reflexes your baby is born with.
By 2 months your baby is comforted by your embrace and may well cry when picked up by someone unfamiliar. They’ll move their arms when they’re stimulated or excited, and can comfort themselves by sucking their fingers or thumb. As their instinctive grasp reflex lessens, your baby will become fascinated with their newly discovered hands, and will use them (as well as their mouth) to explore new and different objects.
At 3 months they can hold their head up in line with their body and are starting to use their arms for support. They’ll continue to be fascinated with their hands and will start to stretch and reach for objects – although they won’t quite be able to grasp them yet!
Did you know?
When your baby smiles, it might just be a real one! You can tell it's a social smile if they use their entire face to show you they’re pleased and it lights up their eyes. Babies will smile only when they're ready, but you can try and encourage them by cuddling, tickling, and playing with them!
