Your baby might have been born with blue eyes but that can change in the first 6 months of life
Some babies have a mild reaction to the vaccines. This can include a raised temperature for a short while and swelling or redness around the injection area. Don't worry too much but if it persists, do call your doctor.
Your baby's brain will reach 50% of its mature size by 6 months of age
Your baby's first immunisations are due shortly and it's only natural that you may be a little apprehensive. But remember that they are vital in order to protect your baby as their system moves from passive to active immunity.
Your baby can differentiate familiar voices from other sounds and is becoming a better listener
By now your baby should be sleeping longer at night than during the day. Infants respond well to familiar patterns of behaviour and following a bedtime routine will encourage your baby's sleeping habits to coincide more with yours.
Your baby's hands will soon be fascinating to them!
Sleep is vital for the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby. It's important that you prevent yourself from becoming exhausted, so the sooner you can establish a sleeping routine and get your baby sleeping through the night, the better.
A newborn's vision is usually 20/400 improving to 20/20 by the age of 2
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to introduce a bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine will help your baby become more settled in the evenings. The more relaxed your little one is the more likely they will go to bed without fuss and fall asleep.
Babies take more breaths than adults! Roughly 40 per minute while adults take 12-20 per minute
Once you feel satisfied that your baby has settled into a routine, it's natural to want some 'me-time’. Enjoying the occasional evening out means having to leave them in someone else's care, which is a big step.
In month three, it's very important to keep stimulating your baby’s mind and body. A moving or musical mobile above your baby’s cot, placed at a level that’s just beyond reach for safety will help to strengthen your baby’s muscles as they reach up. It will also stimulate their mind as they register what’s in front of them and the affect they can have on it. Bright colours, rattles and chimes will entertain them too and are great for encouraging hand-eye coordination.
Many babies go through a growth spurt at this age and want to feed more often for a few days. Nightfeeds may not be a thing of the past just yet. It is quite normal for your baby to still wake during the night for a feed. Your little one doesn’t need any other nutrition other than their milk. Growth spurts can last a few days or up to a week.
Baby's muscles are strengthening and soon they will be able to grab firmly
Knowing that your babysitter is well equipped to deal with whatever happens will help you relax and enjoy your evening out. Ensure that you leave a checklist with your baby's carer to give them quick and easy access to all the information they may need; details of where you'll be at all times and contact numbers.
Get ready for laughter! Baby will soon laugh and giggle regularly
Don’t be too hard on yourself, take as much help as is offered and sleep when the baby sleeps. You have probably heard these words of wisdom before but they are worth listening to, especially if this is your first baby. Make the most of this precious time getting to know each other – it all goes too quickly.
Stronger arms, upper body and neck muscles mean baby may soon sit up, wriggle or roll around
Desperate for sleep? Try and work out a routine where you put your baby down for a nap at regular times during the day and get the chance to rest yourself, this will be a big hurdle crossed. Take it in turns with your partner to look after your baby on weekend mornings so one of you can get a lie in.
Look out for your baby's first tooth from about 4-6 months of age
Many mums find their iron stores run low when they have young babies so make sure you eat plenty of iron rich foods, such as red meat or dark, leafy green vegetables. Eating healthily will give you and your baby the energy you both need. And of course you can still have the odd treat!
Your baby's brain will treble in weight by their first birthday
You should aim to eat small but frequent meals or snacks every 2 to 3 hours. Do bear in mind that keeping meals healthy does not have to mean you need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing in advance.