# 3 Month Old Baby: Milestones, Feeding & Sleep | Clever Mum

> Your 3-month-old baby — development milestones, feeding, sleep and play, plus what to focus on this month. General, NHS-aligned guidance.

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Young baby

 
# 
Your 3-month-old baby

 
Finding their hands and their voice

   [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/)  
 By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides 

 
 Published 11 July 2026  

      
 
Quick answer — What should a 3-month-old baby be doing? 

 
At 3 months old, finding their hands and their voice. By three months many babies push up on their forearms during tummy time, hold their head fairly steadily, and discover their hands — watching, clasping and bringing them to their mouth. Every baby develops at their own pace — these are typical ranges, not a checklist.

    
## Development at 3 months

 
By three months many babies push up on their forearms during tummy time, hold their head fairly steadily, and discover their hands — watching, clasping and bringing them to their mouth. Cooing and gurgling "conversations" grow.

 
## Feeding

 
Milk is still your baby's only food — the NHS recommends waiting until around 6 months before starting solids. Feeding patterns are often more predictable now.

 
## Sleep

 
Night sleep may consolidate into longer stretches for some babies, though this varies enormously and night waking is still completely normal. A simple, consistent wind-down routine can help.

 
## Play & connection

 
Play gyms with hanging toys encourage reaching and batting. Sing songs with actions, read simple books, and keep up daily tummy time to build the strength for rolling.

 
## Focus this month

 
Book any outstanding vaccinations and keep your baby's red book handy for weight and length checks. Consider getting out to a baby group — it helps you as much as the baby.

   
## When to check in

 
Have a chat with your health visitor if your baby cannot hold their head up at all when supported upright, is not responding to sounds or your voice, or is not yet trying to bring hands together.

   
## Your 3-month-old baby: common questions

    What should a 3-month-old baby be doing?   
 By three months many babies push up on their forearms during tummy time, hold their head fairly steadily, and discover their hands — watching, clasping and bringing them to their mouth. Cooing and gurgling "conversations" grow. Remember this is a typical range — healthy babies reach milestones at very different times. 

   How much should a 3-month-old baby sleep?   
 Night sleep may consolidate into longer stretches for some babies, though this varies enormously and night waking is still completely normal. A simple, consistent wind-down routine can help. 

   What should I feed a 3-month-old baby?   
 Milk is still your baby's only food — the NHS recommends waiting until around 6 months before starting solids. Feeding patterns are often more predictable now. 

     
## 
Sources & further reading

 
 *  [ Baby — development and milestones ](https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/)  — NHS Start for Life 
*  [ Safer sleep advice ](https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/)  — The Lullaby Trust 
 
   [← 2 months](/baby/month/2/) [All months](/baby/month/) [4 months →](/baby/month/4/)  

This is general information, not medical advice — every baby develops differently and the
          ranges here are typical, not targets. Your health visitor and the NHS red book are your
          personal sources of truth. If you're ever worried about your baby's development, health or
          feeding, speak to your health visitor or GP. Reviewed August 2026.

    
## 3 months at a glance

   Stage Young baby  Feeding Milk only  This month Finding their hands and their voice     
Feeding this stage

 
 Milk is still all your baby needs. Our [weaning guide](/baby/weaning-guide-when-and-how-to-start/)
walks through when and how to start.