Young baby
Your 3-month-old baby
Finding their hands and their voice
By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides
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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.
How much should a 3-month-old baby feed?
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.
How much does 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.
How can you play with a 3-month-old baby?
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.
What should you focus on at 3 months?
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.
Vaccinations around 3 months
At 12 weeks your baby is offered the second doses of the 6-in-1, MenB and rotavirus vaccines. See the full NHS vaccination schedule.
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 — NHS Start for Life
- Safer sleep advice — The Lullaby Trust
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. Last updated 12 August 2026.