Children's Age-by-Age Guide: Birth to 3 Months

Developmental Milestones

Newborns generally sleep an average of 7 hours at night and 8 hours during the day. At night, they sleep in cycles of 3 or 4 hours, moving from a light, dreamy state to a deep sleep, then back to light snoozing. Babies may wimper, suck, cry out, or make fussy noises at times. If you respond to all your child's awakenings, he'll become dependent on your help to get back to sleep. Be there to comfort him with your voice, but unless he is really crying, allow him to fall back asleep on his own. How to get a baby to sleep is one of the greatest debates in childrearing.

Smart Strategy:

The way your newborn moves from sleep to awake states (either gradually or suddenly) will clue you in to his temperament (active, quiet, or average). When your baby has had enough stimulation and becomes overloaded, he'll need your help to quiet down by swaddling, holding, or singing to him. A quiet baby will need more stimulation from you to get him involved in his world while an active baby will most need help in calming down.

Right now, your newborn is learning to be attentive and focus her senses. She'll look into your eyes, be absorbed by your voice and expressions, and may even try to imitate you. By 2 or 3 months, she'll smile and respond to your joy in her-you'll both be falling in love.

Smart Strategy:

Don't hesitate to pick up your infant whenever she cries. You can't spoil her at this age. She needs your constant support to develop.