Healthy living

Child development 3–6 months

Your baby’s come a long way in their first 3 months. They’re probably now a very social being who loves being with you and having fun together.

By now, you’ve learned enough of your baby's ways and messages to respond properly – most of the time. Hopefully, early problems such as feeding difficulties and crying, have settled down.

By 3 or 4 months, your baby is beginning to get an idea about being in the world, and you’re getting to know each other. They’ll be happily looking into your eyes, and you’ll be smiling at each other.

Social and emotional
Physical development
Hearing and seeing
Speech and language
Activities
Your baby is unique

Safety

Your baby can now grasp small objects and put them in their mouth, which means that they may swallow or choke on them. By 4 or 5 months, babies often roll over and can get into danger quickly. 

Make sure that they’re not left alone unless they’re in a safe place.

Alert

These are very important months. Don’t hesitate to get help from your doctor or community health nurse if:

  • your baby is unhappy or unsettled much of the time
  • you are unhappy or anxious much of the time
  • your baby is not turning to look for you when you speak
  • your baby is not smiling and cooing even some of the time
  • your baby is not kicking his legs
  • you feel that you and your baby just aren’t getting on together as well as you would like.

More information

Local community, school or child health nurse

  • See inside your baby's purple All About Me book
  • Look in the service finder for child health centres
  • Visit your nearest child health centre

Local family doctor

Ngala Parenting Line 

  • 8.00am – 8.00pm 7 days a week
  • Phone: (08) 9368 9368
  • Outside metro area – Free call 1800 111 546 (free from land line only)
  • Visit the Ngala website (external site)

Raising Children Network


Acknowledgements

Child and Adolescent Health Service – Community Health (CAHS CH)


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.