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Month 3

Although your baby may not be very mobile yet, they learn new skills very quickly. Injuries often happen when parents are not aware of what their baby can do. During the first months of life, babies learn to wiggle, kick, push, reach, roll over and put things in their mouths. Your baby needs special protection at this age from:
Falling from beds or changing tables Choking on small objects Burns from hot liquids

SIDS is still a concern -- it is most likely to occur in babies around 2 to 4 months old. No one knows for certain what causes SIDS. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risks: Have your baby sleep on his back or side, on a firm sleeping surface Breastfeeding your baby -- babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for SIDS Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment -- cigarette smoke puts babies at a higher risk of respiratory infection and increases the risk of SIDS Keep your baby at a comfortable temperature -- not too hot, not too cold -- a good rule of thumb is to dress them in the same number of layers of clothing as you would wear, plus one more layer

Your baby is continuing to learn and grow each day. His eyes can now follow a moving object, and he can see objects from 15 to 20 feet away. Your baby will soon discover his hands, and will stare as he studies them and moves his fingers around. If you lie him on his back, he will reach for hanging objects and will swing at them, but will quickly lose interest if the object is too far for him to reach.

Your baby may soon treat you to one of the nicest sounds you will ever hear -- his laughter!

While many moms stay home with their children, more than half of moms are employed outside the home. There are so many decisions to make when selecting someone to care for your baby. If you are breastfeeding, consider continuing when you go back to work. If you're baby's care provider is close to your work, you may be able to go to your child at feeding times. If not, you can express milk for your baby -- you should practice, and start storing milk before you return to work. Once you've done your homework and selected appropriate childcare, you can feel confident that your baby's physical and emotional needs are being met while you are away.