Week-by-week library · about 3 weeks old
Week 3
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at about 3 weeks old?
This week, a real gaze is starting to hold a beat longer.
What's developing
Senses
Many babies begin holding eye contact a little longer than the first flickering glances of the earlier weeks.
Growth
A growth spurt is common around this age, which can mean more frequent feeding and fussier stretches for a few days.
Try this together this week
- Face-to-face "conversations": pause after you speak and watch for a flicker of response, even just widened eyes.
- A soft rattle or gentle sound off to one side to see if they turn toward it.
- Babywearing for a walk; the motion, closeness, and change of scenery are often soothing.
- Give yourself grace on a fussier day this week; a growth spurt is a very plausible, very temporary reason.
What parents often notice
Many parents notice a short burst of extra hunger and fussiness this week or next, often chalked up (accurately) to a growth spurt.
Sourced to
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.