Your three-month-old may be taking a growing interest in their hands, nearby objects and the people around them. You might be wondering how to offer something new without filling the house with equipment.
Start by watching what already catches their attention. Choose one simple opportunity to explore, and stay nearby so you can respond when they want company, help or a break.
Set up one clear space for play
Choose a safe area on the floor with room around your baby. Remove small objects and keep pets and older children's toys away. Offer supervised awake time on their back and tummy, following their abilities and your health professional's advice.
Put your phone aside for a few minutes and watch before adding anything. You might notice that looking at their hands or listening to you already gives them something interesting to do.
Offer one suitable toy
If your baby is showing interest in reaching, place an age-appropriate baby toy where they can notice it and try. Let them make their own movements. There is no need to put the object into their hand every time.
Choose intact items designed for their age, without loose parts, cords or anything that could cover their face. Follow the product's safety instructions. Household objects are not automatically suitable simply because an adult is watching.
Expand a familiar conversation
Try a favourite song with a pause in the middle, or respond to a sound your baby makes. You might enjoy keeping a family “song of the week” so another caregiver can join in with something familiar.
Raising Children Network recommends talking, singing and reading at this stage. You can use these in everyday moments rather than setting aside a long play session.
Take play into another room
A change of setting can also be a change in what you talk about. Sit together somewhere comfortable and describe a picture on the wall or the sound of rain. Keep your baby safely supported and let them turn away if they have had enough.
You could invite a relative to show you the small game or song they enjoy sharing with your baby. Having another person take a turn can give you a pause too.
Be ready for movement to change
Some babies begin rolling around this period. Always supervise and never leave your baby alone on an elevated surface. Plan play on the floor and review your surroundings as their movement changes. Tummy time is for awake, supervised play; put your baby on their back to sleep.
These ideas are not a test of what your baby should achieve at exactly three months. Talk to your child and family health nurse or GP about concerns. To connect with other mums while exploring life with your growing baby, visit our local Mothers’ Group pages.
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