Leap 3 (Weeks 11–13): More Movement and Control at Three Months
For general reference only, not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace. If you are worried about your baby, contact a doctor or other health professional.
At around three months many babies become noticeably more active. They kick, wave, swipe at toys and turn their heads to follow whatever catches their interest. This growing control is exciting to watch, but it can come with a short spell of crankiness, shorter naps and a stronger need to be close to a parent.
This page describes what you might see during this window and practical ways to help your baby stay rested while they practise new skills.
Typical timing
The third window is usually given as weeks 11 to 13 counted from the due date, which is around the start of the fourth month for a baby born on time. For a baby born early, count from the due date; the window moves later after birth by the same number of weeks.
Because babies at this age are changing so quickly, it can be hard to tell a fussy phase from the start of a cold, early drooling or a simple change in routine. Look at the whole picture rather than the date alone.
What parents may notice
- More crying when put down, and settling faster when carried upright.
- Shorter or more broken naps, especially if awake periods have run long.
- Swiping at and grabbing objects, then getting frustrated when they cannot reach them.
- Sucking on hands or fists a lot, which is sometimes mistaken for constant hunger.
- Getting distracted during feeds and pulling off to look around.
- A more serious face or shyness with less familiar people.
What is developing
Neck and upper body strength improve a great deal around this age. Many babies can lift their head and chest during tummy time, bring their hands together and start to bat at hanging toys. Their eyes follow moving objects more smoothly, and they may turn toward a sound to find where it came from.
They also want to do more than their bodies can yet manage, and that gap between wanting and doing can show up as frustration. At the same time, babies at this age still find it hard to notice their own tiredness, so they may keep going until they are overtired and then struggle to settle.
Practical ways to help
- Offer floor time on a play mat with one or two toys within reach, so your baby can practise reaching and kicking.
- Hold a rattle just within reach and let your baby swipe at it, then put it in their hand to explore.
- Keep play sessions short and stop when you see yawning, glazed eyes or turning away.
- Carry your baby upright facing you, or in a carrier, when they are upset; many babies at this age prefer being upright.
- Feed in a quiet spot if your baby keeps pulling off to look around.
- Describe what your baby is doing as they do it, such as “You found your feet”, to build early language.
- Keep the bedtime routine short and the same every night.
Sleep, feeding and safety
Around this age some babies begin to roll, often from tummy to back first. If you have been swaddling, plan the move to arms-free sleep or a wearable sleep bag. Always put your baby down on their back, and never leave them alone on a raised surface such as a changing table or an adult bed.
Drooling and chewing on hands often increase at around three months. This is usually part of normal mouth exploration and does not always mean teeth are on the way. If your baby seems to be in pain, is not feeding or has a fever, speak to a doctor rather than assuming it is teething or a fussy phase.
When to consult a doctor
Mention it at your next check-up, or sooner if you are worried, if your baby does not yet hold their head up during tummy time, does not bring their hands to their mouth, does not smile at people, or uses one side of the body much more than the other.
Fever in a baby under three months still needs prompt medical advice. In older babies, look at how your baby is behaving overall and use the warning signs listed below.
Whatever the calendar says, seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, blue or very pale lips or skin, a baby who is unusually floppy or hard to wake, a seizure, a rash that does not fade when pressed, signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers, repeated forceful vomiting, or a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under three months. Trust your instincts: if you feel something is wrong, contact a doctor or emergency service.