Child development milestones - 3 months
This table shows the development milestones of an average child at 3 months of age and also lists the signs of possible problems to be aware of.
What to look for at 3 months of age
The majority of children will achieve these 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 delayed development, and they may not catch up. 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 without delay. If in doubt, it is better to have your concerns checked than to 'wait and see'.
Gross motor
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Lift head when lying on tummy |
Any differences between right and left sides of body (in strength, movement or muscle tone) |
|
Lift head when pulled to sitting position |
Head falls back when pulled to sitting position |
|
Kick vigorously |
|
|
Hold back firm when held in sitting position |
Fine motor
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Follow objects from side to side with eyes |
Doesn't follow objects with eyes |
|
Hold object briefly in hand |
Persistent fisting of hands (doesn't let go of objects) |
|
Look at own hand |
|
Talking and understanding
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Cry |
No turn-taking or variety in sounds |
|
Take turns in vocalising (making voice sounds) |
|
|
Make two or more speech sounds |
|
|
Laugh |
|
|
Respond to sound |
Poor or no response to sound |
|
Search for sound with eyes |
|
|
Respond to mother's voice |
|
Social
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Enjoy being touched or picked up |
No preference of mother or other people |
|
Smile |
Doesn't look directly at people's eyes |
|
Recognise mother |
|
Intellectual
|
An average child can… |
Signs of possible problems include… |
|
Make active movements |
Inactive, detached (limited display of emotions) |
|
Put hands to mouth |
|
|
Show an active, visual interest in the world and people |
|
|
Have times of being alert |
|
Note
If you have any concerns about your child's development, see your child health nurse or GP.
Copyright 2003 Child Development Network. Reproduced with permission.