Well-baby visit: 3-4 months

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By: Suzanne Dixon

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Article Summary

Around 3 to 4 months you may have another well-baby visit. Dress your baby up and celebrate how far you've come together! At this stage your baby will probably sit on your lap and give strangers a wary stare before trying a smile or a sound to get them to talk. Then your baby will beam brightly and charm everyone around them. At this stage they're curious about the whole event and probably won't protest too much at the examination - it usually goes smoothly. Enjoy everyone enjoying your baby.

This visit may well coincide with immunisations your baby is due, so remember to take your Red Book or Baby Book with you.


At this visit you might find:

Your baby's weight and height will usually be recorded to make sure they're growing at a healthy, steady rate.

You may be offered the 2nd DTP-Hib vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) and Hib if this visit takes place at 3 months. For more details on immunisations

You may be given some insights into your baby's development, temperament and behaviour.
Ways to help your baby develop good sleep habits may be discussed.

Other things that may be discussed:

Has your baby seen a GP since the last visit? If so, why? What was the outcome of that visit, and was any medication or treatment prescribed?
Does your baby get up on their hands when they're on their tummy?
Do they roll from tummy to back? Some babies can roll the other way, too.
Do they make babbling sounds, squeal or laugh?
Do they reach and grab for things, or at least try to? Does they grab their own     hands?
Do they hold a rattle or small toy?
Do they notice you and follow you across the room with their eyes?
Do they recognise your voice?
Can your baby place their palms together?
Can your baby sit up with support?
Do they put objects in their mouth, blow bubbles or dribble?
Do they sleep longer at night?
Does your baby smile at you before you smile at them?

Although every baby develops in a slightly different way, most babies are close to doing most of these things. Report what your baby is up to now and what things on this list they're still trying to accomplish.


Talk it over

Some babies are so social - and therefore easily distracted - at this age that they seem to want to be weaned from the breast. If this seems to be happening, bring it up now.

Discuss your baby's eating habits. If you think they're ready for solid foods, ask about it. Most babies don't need solid food before they're 6 months old, but your baby may be different. Get instructions on how to begin if you are advised to start.

Talk about your baby's sleep habits. Your health professional may have some tips on how to set up a sleep ritual that will help your baby settle and sleep through the night. .

Many mothers are already back at work when their babies are 3-4 months old. Discuss your childcare arrangements and any troubles or concerns you may have.

If you haven't been out of the house without your baby by this time, it's time to do so. If you're not comfortable leaving your baby for brief periods, then your health professional will want to help explore your concerns and feelings.

Your baby should be moving towards two to three naps within a 24-hour period. If they're not moving in that direction, bring it up at this visit.


Speak up!

There are additional issues of special concern. Let your health professional know if your baby:
doesn't seem to notice things unless they're very close, or doesn't follow you with their eyes from across the room
makes no sounds or fewer sounds than before
notices sounds less than before, or doesn't turn to sounds, particularly your voice. This could be just the way they are, or it could be a sign of hearing loss
uses one hand more than the other. Babies should be using both hands equally at this age
doesn't kick with both feet, or your baby keeps their legs straight most of the time
doesn't lift up their head when they're tummy-side down
keeps hands closed and/or doesn't grab things
doesn't put things in their mouth
doesn't roll over
can't bear weight on their legs, or bounce when held upright
still feels wobbly, or loose when held, or has a difficult time controlling their head.


You should leave this visit:

Confident that you can manage fevers and minor health complaints.
With a plan for dealing with your baby's sleep and feeding needs.
Proud of your child's growth and gains in development.

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