1-3 Month Baby Guide

Between 1 and 3 months, your baby becomes more alert, social, and interactive. Expect the first real smile, better head control, and early cooing sounds. This guide covers what to expect based on AAP and CDC guidelines.

Key takeaways

  • Social smiling begins around 6-8 weeks — one of the first major social milestones (CDC)
  • Babies begin cooing and making vowel sounds ("ooh," "aah") by 2-3 months
  • Head control improves significantly — can hold head at 45 degrees during tummy time
  • The 2-month well-child visit includes the first major round of vaccines (AAP)
  • Sleep consolidation begins — some babies sleep one longer stretch of 4-6 hours at night

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines

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Developmental milestones: 1-3 months

According to the CDC, these milestones are typically reached by 2-3 months:

Motor development

  • Holds head up at 45-degree angle during tummy time
  • Pushes up on forearms when on stomach
  • Opens and closes hands; brings hands together
  • Smoother, more purposeful arm and leg movements
  • May bat at hanging toys (early reaching)
  • Moro reflex begins to fade by 2-3 months

Sensory and cognitive

  • Tracks moving objects with eyes (follows past midline)
  • Recognizes familiar faces from a distance
  • Begins to show boredom if activity does not change (looks away, cries)
  • Starts to coordinate hand and eye — watches own hands
  • Turns head toward sounds

Communication and social

  • Social smile (6-8 weeks) — smiles at familiar faces
  • Coos and makes vowel sounds ("ooh," "aah")
  • Begins to self-soothe (may suck on hands)
  • Different cries for different needs (hunger, tired, pain)
  • Enjoys face-to-face interaction — may "talk back" when you speak

Feeding at 1-3 months

Breastfeeding

  • 7-9 feedings per day (some babies are efficient and finish in 10-15 minutes)
  • Feedings become more predictable — roughly every 2.5-3.5 hours
  • Growth spurts around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months may increase feeding temporarily
  • Continue feeding on demand — clock-watching is not recommended

Formula feeding

  • 4-5 oz per feeding, every 3-4 hours
  • Total: approximately 24-32 oz per day
  • Do not add cereal to bottles (choking risk, not recommended by AAP)
  • Watch for fullness cues: turning away, closing mouth, falling asleep

Weight gain

  • Expected: 5-7 oz (150-200g) per week
  • Birth weight typically doubles by 4-5 months
  • Your pediatrician tracks growth curves at each visit

Sleep at 1-3 months

  • Total sleep: 14-17 hours per day
  • Daytime naps: 4-5 naps, gradually consolidating
  • Nighttime: may begin sleeping one 4-6 hour stretch
  • Still waking 1-3 times at night for feeds — this is normal and expected
  • Day/night confusion typically resolves by 6-8 weeks

Healthy sleep habits to start

  • Expose to natural light during day; keep nights dark and quiet
  • Begin a simple bedtime routine (feed, diaper, swaddle, song)
  • Put baby down drowsy but awake when possible (building the skill)
  • Continue following AAP safe sleep guidelines (back, firm surface, room-sharing)
  • Swaddling with arms up or transitioning out by signs of rolling

Safety at 1-3 months

  • Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling (can happen as early as 2 months)
  • Never leave baby unattended on elevated surfaces — rolling can happen without warning
  • Continue rear-facing car seat; check harness fit as baby grows
  • Keep hot liquids away from baby; never hold hot drinks while holding baby
  • Avoid propping bottles (choking risk)
  • Ensure crib/bassinet meets current safety standards (no drop-side cribs)
  • Begin baby-proofing planning — mobility comes quickly

Common concerns at 1-3 months

  • Colic: Crying peaks at 6-8 weeks. Rule of 3: 3+ hours/day, 3+ days/week, 3+ weeks. Usually resolves by 3-4 months
  • Reflux/spitting up: Peaks at 2-4 months. Normal if baby is gaining weight and not in pain. Keep upright 20-30 minutes after feeds
  • Flat head (positional plagiocephaly): Alternate head position during sleep; increase tummy time. Mention to doctor at 2-month visit
  • Cradle cap: May persist or worsen. Gently massage with oil and brush with soft brush
  • Baby acne: Peaks at 2-4 weeks, usually clears by 3 months. Do not use acne products
  • Stool changes: Breastfed babies may go several days without a stool after 6 weeks — this is normal if stools are soft when they come

Doctor visits at 1-3 months

The AAP well-child visit schedule for this period:

  • 1 month: Growth check, physical exam, Hepatitis B (2nd dose if needed)
  • 2 months: Growth check, developmental screening, vaccines (DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, rotavirus, Hep B)

Questions to ask at the 2-month visit

  • Is my baby growing well? Where are they on the growth curve?
  • Are there signs of reflux that need treatment?
  • Is tummy time going well? Any concerns about head shape?
  • What should I expect at the next developmental stage?

When to call the doctor

  • Fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher (still an emergency under 3 months)
  • Not smiling at people by 3 months
  • Does not follow moving objects with eyes
  • Does not respond to loud sounds
  • Cannot hold head up when pushing up on tummy
  • Feeding significantly less than usual or refusing to eat
  • Persistent vomiting (not just spitting up)
  • Fewer than 4 wet diapers per day

Frequently asked questions

When do babies start smiling?
Social smiling (smiling in response to your face or voice) typically begins around 6-8 weeks. By 2-3 months, most babies smile frequently at familiar faces. If your baby is not smiling by 3 months, mention it to your pediatrician.
How much should a 2-month-old eat?
Breastfed babies typically feed 7-9 times per day. Formula-fed babies take 4-5 oz every 3-4 hours (about 24-32 oz per day). Feed on demand — your baby will let you know when they are hungry or full.
Can a 2-month-old sleep through the night?
Most 2-month-olds still wake 1-3 times at night for feeds. Some babies begin sleeping one longer stretch of 4-6 hours. It is developmentally normal to need nighttime feeds at this age.
What vaccines does my baby get at 2 months?
The AAP schedule includes DTaP, IPV (polio), Hib, PCV13 (pneumococcal), rotavirus (oral), and Hepatitis B (if not completed earlier). These protect against serious diseases and are safe to give together.
Is it normal for my baby to drool a lot at 2-3 months?
Yes. Salivary glands become active around 2-3 months. This is developmental, not necessarily a sign of teething (which typically starts at 4-7 months). Drooling helps with future digestion.

Bottom line

The 1-3 month period brings exciting social developments. Your baby's first real smile is a sign that their brain is developing beautifully. Focus on responsive caregiving — talking, singing, and making eye contact. Every baby develops at their own pace within a range of normal.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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