Finally, your baby is 12 weeks old! A lot of parents are so excited with their baby’s growth that they try to keep up with their baby’s progress every single day.
Most babies at this age are already able to show how they recognize their parents. Sure, babies may smile at strangers but they start to identify the people close to them. Your baby will already develop eye contact with you, look for you, or even smile when he/she sees you. When you speak to your baby, he/she may be able to make sounds as if talking back to you!
Here are a few of these important developments in your 12 week old baby’s life:
- New physical abilities with the development of his/her gross motor skills.
During this stage, your baby can bring his/her hands within the range of their eyes and mouth. He/she will already be able to achieve control of their head and neck. While lying on his/her tummy, the baby can already lift their head up to 90 degrees.
Using the elbows, your baby can raise and support the body on his/her own. They can also push their legs down when you allow their feet to touch the floor or any surface for that matter.
When you put dangling toys or objects in front of your baby, he/she will move and reach for them. One important achievement for your baby at this stage is the ability to roll over- from front to back and vice versa. Check out these great baby toys for your 12 week old!
Also, a Boppy Pillow makes for a great way of putting them into new positions! It can also increase their neck strength.
- Your baby’s adaptive motor skills also develop.
He/she can focus both eyes and easily track a moving object from side to side. Your baby will be able to use both hands and eyes in coordination. Give them new toys to look at, and practice going from side to side and up and down.
- Development of language skills.
As your baby grows, you will discover that aside from crying sounds, he/she can also coo and produce other kinds of sounds. You would know that your baby hears you when he/she looks at you when you speak and they would turn their head towards the source of the sound.
- Your baby’s social skills develop.
You might be surprised that when you call your baby’s name, he/she will be able to respond. Your baby will be able to laugh or smile at you.
Your baby’s brain rapidly develops and so does their motor, language, and social skills. Try to make the most out of this stage so that your baby will mature into an intelligent and gifted child!
- Highly recommended toy
There is one baby toy that every baby is guaranteed to love, especially around 3 months of age - a play mat. These are great for learning, keeping them entertained, and a great way to explore new colors, sights and sounds!
If you’d like to keep up with these great development, or see what’s ahead, consider one of these great baby development books! Also, keep track of your little one’s accomplishments and be sure to write everything down in their very own baby book.
