11-12 weeks old

Babies of this age…

  • Will open their hands and will watch them
  • May start to laugh
  • Are likely to be able to hold their heads steady
  • Love toys that make a noise, such as rattles
  • May be able to grasp a rattle for a few seconds
  • May do mini push ups when lying on their tummies

It probably seems like only yesterday that your baby was a tiny newborn and, when you look back on it, didn’t do very much! At this age, your baby is becoming very responsive, which makes it a lot of fun to talk and play together. Babies also benefit from quiet time, when they can watch what’s going on, play with their hands and dream dreams.

Your baby

  • You probably already spend lots of time talking to your baby – and that's great! Chatting about everyday things or singing nursery rhymes and songs is a great way to teach them about language.
  • Try to mimic the sounds or facial expressions your baby makes - this helps them to learn about communication and interacting with others

It’s that time again...

Your baby will have a second lot of vaccinations at around 3 months. It may not be much fun for either of you, but trust us – it's one of the most important things you can do to keep your little one safe and healthy. For more information, follow this link to the NHS vaccination planner.

Changing seasons

Keep an eye on the changing seasons and dress your baby accordingly. It's a good idea to check your baby's bedroom temperature and bedding, too, to make sure it's appropriate for the weather. If you're checking to make sure your baby isn't too hot or cold, it's best not to feel your baby's hands or feet; feel the chest or tummy instead, as it will give you a more accurate idea of body temperature.

Look after yourself

You're probably still getting up in the night to feed your baby, so it's important to keep your strength up. (Parenting is more like a marathon than a sprint!) Eating regular meals and snacking on nutritious foods like pumpkin or sunflower seeds or organic fruit will help top up your energy.

If you find you're often too tired at the end of the day to prepare a proper meal, try doing most of the preparation earlier on in the day. You’re more likely to feel up to it then!

The power of a good chat

Being at home with children can be isolating, and small problems can sometimes seem huge, so it’s good to make friends with others in the same position. Even if you can't get out for a coffee with a friend, what about catching up with a relative via phone or Skype? Sometimes even a short conversation can help put things into perspective.