Congratulations on the birth of your child, and welcome to the Fourth Trimester — the first 3 months of your baby’s life outside the womb. Here’s what you can expect during this amazing time of growth!

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Baby

• Can see 12 inches in front of their face
• Loves to grasp your fingers
• Has first growth spurt & boost in appetite
• Smiles for the first time
• Eats every 2-4 hours

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• Diaper rashes are common
• Baby may lose weight in the first few weeks, before starting to gain it back
• Baby may have swollen genitals - this is normal and won’t last long

Parents

• Get an activity mat and start tummy time
• Give baby plenty of skin-to-skin contact
• Start babywearing, if you want. Use a carrier designed for newborns, in the facing-in position.

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• Mom is likely experiencing pain and muscle soreness — this is normal as your body heals after giving birth

Baby

• Can see all colors of the rainbow
• Loves your touch
• Is gaining weight
• Reaches for objects
• Begins “cooing”
• Learns to raise head up during tummy time

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• Baby may develop bumpy or blotchy red skin — this is normal and usually goes away on its own

Parents

• Foot rattles will help babies explore sound and movement!
• Baby loves hugs and snuggles — physical touch is important
• Start developing baby’s feeding and sleep routines

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• First time leaving baby with a sitter? Some separation anxiety is common, for both parent and baby.

Baby

• Can follow a moving object with their eyes
• Is close to double their birth weight
• Eyes may begin to change color
• Pushes head and chest up with arms during tummy time
• Starts making vowel sounds like “ooh” and “aah”

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• Baby acne may appear — this is normal and will heal on its own
• Baby may act upset when you stray from your normal routine — be patient as they adjust

Parents

• Talk, giggle, and sing to your baby — you’ll stimulate their brain & make them laugh
• Give baby rattles to grasp & pull; watch them delight in the new sounds

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• Some babies will start to sleep through the night during the 3rd month, but for other babies it can take longer.