What to Expect–Baby’s Months Three-Six
Once your baby hits the 3 month mark, he will likely exhibit the first step toward movement – rolling over. All that tummy time he’s been having has helped strengthen his muscles enough that he is now able to push up and roll over. Not all babies will roll over of course by 3 months, each baby’s development is unique. But once he accomplishes his first “roll over” – be prepared for more!
By around 4 months of age, your baby can understand the basic sounds of his language. And, by about 6 months, he will begin making vocal sounds. Before you know it your little bundle will be saying “ma ma” or “da da”. But, at this stage he isn’t connecting this sound with you; rather, he is making the basic sounds that he has heard as part of the language you’ve been using around him. Continue to engage him with speech and react to his attempts at speaking with you. This helps him to understand cause and effect (I speak and others listen and then they reply) as well as helps his self esteem. He wants to engage in his world and it is affirming when his world (namely you!) responds.
Around this time you may also hear your baby’s first laugh. Crying will remain his main form of communication, and he’ll still use it to express needs, upset, etc. But, his sense of humor is developing also. A game of peek-a-boo may just crack him up now! If he’s into it keep the laughter going. Make funny noises or faces for him, or make a special toy do a silly dance. You’ll both likely end up having a huge giggle fest!
By the 5 month mark, your baby’s vision has improved to about the level of yours. He can track and follow moving objects and see both near and far clearly now. This is a wonderful development for him, particularly since he is so interested in everything and there is so much to see! And speaking of things to see, your baby is probably enjoying his toys a lot more now too. Stuffed animals, balls, and stacking towers, are all a hit with this set. A wooden spoon though is also great fun as are a good many other “every day” objects around the house. It all comes back to a baby’s desire to learn about his new world. The things you use regularly are wonderfully interesting to explore (as long as they are also safe) simply because you use them.
By 6 months your baby may also be ready to try some food. Some parents choose to give their baby their first taste of food before 6 mo. some after. One of the benefits of waiting to introduce solids is that your baby’s digestive system is given longer to mature, and as a result, there is a reduced risk of developing food allergies. Whenever you start though, get ready to embrace messy eating!