Doctor's Corner: Baby Development Milestones

Understanding your baby’s development is essential for new parents. Tracking key milestones helps ensure your little one is growing as expected.

In this guide, we’ll cover physical, cognitive, and health-related milestones at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, with expert insights from Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP on how parents can support their baby's growth.

Key Takeaways

Babies grow and change quickly in the first few months.

At 4 weeks, they start lifting their heads, by 6 weeks they recognise faces, and by 3 months they begin reaching for objects and rolling over.

Feeding, sleep, and health routines are important.

Newborns feed frequently, sleep for around 15-16 hours a day, and need key vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks to stay healthy.

Parents need to take care of themselves too!

Looking after a baby can be exhausting, so getting support, eating well, and resting when possible is important for both parents and baby.

Physical Development Milestones

4 Weeks

• Improved head control: Babies start to lift their heads briefly when placed on their tummy.

• Hands remain mostly clenched, but they may begin to open slightly.

• Arms and legs move in a jerky, reflexive manner.

• Smiles begin to appear, though not always in response to stimuli.

How parents can help: Encourage tummy time for short periods to strengthen neck muscles and stimulate movement. Respond to early smiles and facial expressions to promote interaction.

6 Weeks

• Increased head control: They can lift their head and begin to hold it steadier.

• Hands start to open more frequently.

• Facial expressions become more varied.

• Movements become more controlled, though still mostly reflexive.

How parents can help: Engage in face-to-face play while your baby is on their tummy to encourage lifting their head and making eye contact. Provide safe, colourful toys to stimulate their developing vision.

3 Months

• Stronger head control: Babies can hold their head up for longer periods when sitting with support.

• Starts to reach for objects and may grasp them momentarily.

• May attempt rolling from tummy to back.

• Pushes up on arms during tummy time.

How parents can help: Offer plenty of tummy time and place interesting objects nearby to encourage reaching and movement. Support your baby’s back while sitting to help improve posture and balance.

Video: 3 Month Baby Development Milestones

Emma's Diary have created a helpful video to outline the key baby development milestones to look out for in your little one at 3 months old. You can watch it below:

Cognitive Development Milestones

4 Weeks

• Recognises caregiver’s voice and responds with eye contact.

• Starts to follow objects briefly with their eyes.

• Begins to show interest in high-contrast patterns.

How parents can help: Talk to your baby frequently and make eye contact while feeding or playing. Use high-contrast books and toys to encourage visual tracking.

6 Weeks

• Watches people as they move around the room.

• Can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar faces.

• Stares at and follows objects for longer periods.

How parents can help: Play peek-a-boo and move toys in front of them to encourage tracking. Continue talking and singing to reinforce recognition and engagement.

3 Months

• Recognises familiar faces from a distance.

• Begins to explore hands and feet, watching them with curiosity.

• Shows excitement at the sight of a bottle or breastfeeding cues.

How parents can help: Give your baby safe objects to explore with their hands. Provide gentle stimulation like talking, singing, and reading to encourage interaction and curiosity.

Feeding & Nappy Changes

Sleep Patterns

What’s normal?

• Shorter night-time sleep with frequent waking is common.

• Some babies may experience sleep regression around 3 months.

How parents can help: Establish a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities like a warm bath, soft music, and dim lighting.

Health & Safety Considerations

Vaccinations

• 8 Weeks (2 Months): First set of vaccines, including 6-in-1 vaccine, rotavirus, MenB, and PCV.

• 12 Weeks (3 Months): Second dose of 6-in-1 vaccine and rotavirus.

• 16 Weeks (4 Months): Final doses of key vaccinations.

Common Concerns

• Colic: Persistent crying for more than 3 hours a day, usually in the evenings.

• Reflux: Spitting up after feeds is common but should be monitored if excessive.

• Growth Spurts: Can cause changes in feeding, sleeping, and fussiness.

How parents can help: Keep track of symptoms and consult a GP if concerns persist. Follow recommended vaccination schedules for optimal health protection.

Parental Well-being & Self-Care

Caring for a baby can be exhausting. Parents should:

• Ask for support from family, friends, or health visitors.

• Take breaks when needed to prevent burnout.

• Eat well and stay hydrated to maintain energy levels.

• Reach out for mental health support if feeling overwhelmed.

For more advice on looking after yourself as a new parent, check out resources from the NHS Parenting Space and Emma’s Diary.

Video: Looking After Yourself as a Parent

The Parenting Space NHS have created a helpful video to explain why looking after yourself as a new parent is vital in helping you to look after your new baby. You can watch the video below where other parents of newborn babies share their experiences and helpful tips:

Where to Find Baby Essentials Online

If you need treatments or products for your baby’s health, UK Meds offers a wide range of baby and child care essentials. Choose UK Meds for trusted, high-quality baby products.

Final Thoughts

Tracking baby development milestones is essential, but remember that every baby grows at their own pace. If you have concerns about your baby's development, don’t hesitate to consult your GP or health visitor for personalised guidance.

Stay patient, cherish these early months, and enjoy watching your little one grow!

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

Sources

3 month old baby: Development, growth and milestones - Mother & Baby

4 month old baby: Development, growth and milestones - Mother & Baby