Ages and Stages, 1 to 3 Months: Simple Ways to Play With Your Baby (Starting With Tummy Time)

babytimecentral

Oct 15

4 min read

Around the end of the first month, your baby starts looking at you a little longer, and you might wonder what you're supposed to be doing together. First, try not to compare your baby with your friend's baby, your sister's, or the one you saw online. Every baby grows at their own pace, and yours is right on their own schedule. Here are a few easy ways to play, whenever your baby is ready.

This post shares general information, not medical advice. Always check with your pediatrician or healthcare provider about your family's health.

Always consult your pediatrician first before starting tummy time or any new activity with your baby.

This is the start of Ages and Stages, a new every-other-week series from Baby Time Central. For the stage before this one, see Newborn Milestones: The First 4 Weeks.

What your baby is doing now

Between about 1 and 3 months, a lot of babies love looking at faces, especially yours. You may see a first real smile, or hear soft little "ooh" and "ah" sounds. On their tummy, your baby may start lifting their head for a few seconds. It all happens little by little.

How you can help

No special toys needed. Any parent, partner, grandparent, or sitter can do these, a few minutes at a time.

1. Tummy time

What it is: A few minutes on their tummy while your baby is awake and you're right there watching.

Why it helps: When your baby lifts their head to look around, they're building strength in their neck and body. Those are the muscles they'll use later to scoot and crawl. It also gives the back of their head a break, which helps keep it from getting a flat spot.

How to start: Pick whichever spot feels easiest:

On your chest. Lean back with a pillow behind your head and lay your baby tummy-down on your chest. They'll lift their head to see your face.
Across your lap. Lay your baby tummy-down along your lap, supporting their head so it stays in line with their body.
On the floor. Use a firm, flat spot, like a play mat on the floor, and get down there with them.

Keep it short and often. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests about 3 to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, adding more as your baby gets used to it. Right after a diaper change or a nap is a good time.

When your baby fusses: Lots of babies complain at first. It usually gets easier after a few tries. Try this:

Get down face to face, and talk or sing.
Put a baby-safe mirror or a toy where they can see it.
If they're really done, pick them up, cuddle, and try again later. A minute still counts.

Keep it safe: Awake and watched, on a firm, flat surface. If your baby gets sleepy, put them on their back in their own sleep space.

Tummy Time 101 for 1 to 3 months: three ways to start (on your chest, across your lap, on the floor), about 3 to 5 minutes 2 to 3 times a day, what to try if baby fusses, and safety basics.

2. "Talking" back and forth

Your baby is learning how a conversation works.

Hold your baby so your face is close to theirs.
Smile and say something, like "Hi, sweet pea."
Pause and wait. Give them a few seconds.
When they coo or make a sound, copy it right back. "Ooh? Ooh!"

Diaper changes, feeding, and bath time are perfect for this. Talking through ordinary moments ("Now the left sock...") counts, too.

3. Reading together

It's never too early for books.

Sit somewhere comfy and hold your baby on your lap.
Show them the page, point at the pictures, and use fun voices.
When your baby looks away, fusses, or arches their back, they're telling you they need a break. It's okay to stop. You never have to finish the book.

4. Face time

Babies this age love faces, and yours is their favorite.

Hold your baby close so they can see you clearly.
Smile, raise your eyebrows, and talk softly while they watch.
Look at pictures of faces or bright colors together, or set a baby-safe mirror nearby.

If family lives far away, a video call where Grandma sings counts, too.

5. Following a sound

While your baby is lying on their back and awake, hold a rattle off to one side of their head.
Shake it gently.
Wait and watch to see if they look for the sound.
Then try the other side.

A quick safety note

Always consult your pediatrician first, especially if your baby was born early or has any health needs. Tummy time is only for awake, watched babies. For sleep, always put your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface, with nothing else in their sleep space. And don't leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, or other furniture, because even little wiggles can lead to a roll.

If you ever have questions about how your baby is growing, your pediatrician is a great person to ask. CDC's milestones for 2 months page is a helpful resource, too.

Your one next step

Today, lie back and try tummy time on your chest once, just for a few minutes. Whatever your baby does is just right for them, no comparing needed. In two weeks, we'll look at 3 to 6 months. You've got this.