- Lift their head and chest during tummy time
- Begin reaching for objects or batting at toys hanging overhead
Communication: What Can My Baby “Say”?
Even before words appear, babies are learning how to communicate. During this period, your baby may:
- Begin cooing and making vowel-like sounds
- Attempt to imitate sounds they hear
- Use different cries to express hunger, fatigue, or discomfort
These early sounds are the foundation for speech, connection, and social interaction.
Understanding & Social Awareness.
Your baby’s awareness of the world expands rapidly during these months. Common signs of growing understanding include:
- Recognizing familiar voices, especially parents or caregivers
- Smiling in response to people
- Responding to social interaction with coos or body movement
- Moving arms, legs, or the entire body in rhythm with voices
These behaviors show your baby is beginning to engage socially and emotionally.
Vision Development
Babies between 1 and 3 months can focus best on nearby objects, while distant items may still appear blurry. As vision improves, your baby may:
- Follow moving objects with their eyes
- Show interest in shapes, patterns, and contrast
- Recognize familiar faces, even from farther away
Human faces are especially fascinating to babies, particularly their own and their parents’. A baby-safe crib mirror placed at eye level can support visual development and encourage self-awareness.
Color vision is also developing during this stage. Bright, high-contrast colors are easier for babies to see, while soft pastels may be harder to distinguish. Keep this in mind when choosing toys, books, and room décor.
Hearing & Sound Awareness.
Your baby has been hearing sounds long before birth, including your heartbeat and voice. After birth, the world becomes louder and more interesting. Between 1 and 3 months, your baby may:
- Startle at sudden or loud noises
- Being soothed by familiar household sounds
- Show clear enjoyment when hearing your voice
Talking, singing, and responding to your baby’s sounds are powerful ways to support language development. When your baby coos, repeat the sound and pause—this back-and-forth teaches communication, tone, and turn-taking.
Babies often respond best to higher-pitched, expressive speech (“baby talk”). Research shows this does not delay speech development. Mixing in normal adult words helps set the stage for future language skills.
Music, rattles, and everyday household sounds all stimulate curiosity. Most newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital. If your baby did not—or was born at home or a birthing center—schedule one as soon as possible. Early screening allows hearing concerns to be identified and addressed promptly. Please click here if your baby hasn’t gotten an audition screening test yet.
