# [COVER PAGE]{.underline}

# Healthy Start, Grow Smart

# Your Three-Month-Old

## TITLE PAGE

**Healthy Start, Grow Smart**

**Your Three-Month-Old**

Prepared by:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

2002

# Acknowledgments

This publication was an initiative of Laura Bush as the First Lady of
Texas and sponsored by the Texas Department of Health. President Bush
and Mrs. Bush have asked that this series of booklets be revised and
distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of
Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

We would like to thank the Texas Department of Health for their
cooperation and assistance in bringing this publication to families
across the United States. In addition, we recognize the contributions
that Susan H. Landry, Ph.D., Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. and many other
individuals made in the development of this magazine.

# Here's What's Inside 

Talk to Your Baby with Body Language 1

Prepare for Your Baby's Four-Month Checkup 2

A Book for Memories 3

Giving Your Baby Breast Milk, Even If You're Working 4

Feeding Your Baby Formula 5

Your Baby Is Sleeping Longer at Night 7

Wet Diapers 7

Help Your Baby Every Day 8

Safety Tips 10

Give Safe Toys to Your Baby 12

Tips on Pacifiers 13

Questions Parents Ask 14

What's It Like To Be Three Months Old? 15

Your Baby Has Emotions, Too 16

Games To Play with Your Baby 17

Things To Do with Your Baby 18

Babies Learn in Many Ways 19

You Can Help Your Baby Learn 20

Exercise Keeps You Healthy 21

Things You Can Do To Relax 22

Teach Your Baby To Trust 23

Ask Others for Help 24

Information Resources for Families 26

# Talk to Your Baby with Body Language

You and your baby are "talking" to each other even though he doesn't say
words yet. You are doing what comes naturally. You are using body
language as well as words.

Body language includes what you do with your face, the tone of the
sounds and words you make, singing, eye contact and body movements. You
can show love for your baby by hugging him and rocking him. You can show
love by playing with him and smiling at him. He will \"talk\" back to
you with coos, wiggles and smiles.

Even at three months, your baby knows the sound of your voice from other
people's voices. He will make eye contact with you to \"say\" that he
knows you are his mom or dad. He will turn toward you and brighten when
he sees and hears you.

You are learning to "speak" your baby's language, too. You can tell the
difference when he is crying because he is hungry or because he needs
changing. You can tell when he's crying because he wants you to hold
him.

You have learned when he is tired of playing or has had enough to eat
because he turns away or stiffens his body. He will make sounds other
than crying to let you know how he feels or what he wants. You can tell
when he wants some quiet time to just look around or to take a nap.

Talking with your baby lets him know he is loved and you care about him.

# 

# Prepare for Your Baby's Four-Month Checkup

Call your doctor now to set up your baby's four-month checkup for next
month. This visit is very important for your child's health.

During the four-month visit, your baby will have another complete
checkup. This includes his weight, length and head size. His heart and
lungs will also be checked. The doctor will check on how your baby holds
his head up and uses his hands. Your baby's hearing and vision will also
be checked. Make sure your doctor undresses your baby for a complete
physical exam.

Your baby will get his second set of shots. These may include three
shots: one for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; one for polio; and one
for hemophilus influenzae B (flu).

You can ask questions about the baby's growth, health and development.
Write questions down when you think of them. Then you can bring a list
with you to the checkup. The list will help you remember what you want
to ask. Your baby needs checkups again at six months, nine months and
one year of age.

If your baby is eligible for Medicaid, he can get free checkups. You can
call your local social welfare, health or family services office to see
if you qualify for Medicaid services.

If you don't have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about
resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Insure Kids Now Program at

1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also visit their Web site at
www.insurekidsnow.gov for more information about free or low-cost health
insurance for children. Many public libraries offer free access to the
Internet and provide help for first-time users.

# A Book for Memories

You need to keep a record of your baby's shots. This way, if you move or
change doctors, you can make sure that the new doctor or clinic has
correct information about your baby. You will need proof that your baby
has had all his shots when he goes to school or day care.

One way you can keep information about your baby is with a baby book or
memory book. You can use any kind of notebook or scrapbook. In the book,
you can keep health records and other information about your baby's
health, growth and development.

You can write down all his great "firsts" in it: when he first sits up,
crawls, walks or talks. You can write dates and symptoms when he gets
sick. You can write monthly weights and heights and when he gets each
tooth. This health information is important to have.

You can use your book to keep other interesting pieces of information
about your child. You can put in fun things you want to remember. Put in
photos of your baby. You can write down cute things he does and says.
Later on, you can save drawings by your child.

When he is older, you and your child can have fun looking at the memory
book together.

# Giving Your Baby Breast Milk, Even If You're Working

Breast milk is still the best food for your three-month-old baby. You
don't need to give your baby water, juice, cow's milk or solid food
right now. Usually, babies need only breast milk for the first six
months.

By now, you and your baby have a schedule for feedings. You may wonder
how you can nurse your baby after you return to work.

One way is to pump your breast milk into a bottle. There are special
breast pumps that you can buy to help you pump out your breast milk
efficiently. Other caregivers can then feed it to your baby while you
are away.

Breast milk can be stored in a bottle in a refrigerator for up to 48
hours. It will keep for two to three months in the freezer. Always label
and date bottles of breast milk.

Not all moms may be able to provide breast milk for their babies in day
care. Some moms may choose not to pump breast milk. In this case, the
baby can be given formula at day care. Moms who don't pump can still
breastfeed their babies before and after work.

Going back to work takes preparation. Start pumping your breast milk a
few weeks before you return to work. Have someone else give your baby
your breast milk in a bottle. Do this for one feeding each day. When you
return to your job, nurse your baby before going to work. Continue to
nurse him when you are at home. Take the bottles of breast milk when you
drop off your baby for child care. Carry the bottles in a cooler. Put
the date and your baby's name on the bottles. Your baby's caregiver will
give these bottles to your baby during the day.

If you have any questions or problems with breastfeeding, talk to your
doctor, nurse or WIC breastfeeding counselor. To learn more about
breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at

1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.

# Feeding Your Baby Formula

Maybe you are not breastfeeding your baby but using formula. When you
leave for work, make sure your baby's caregiver knows how to prepare
formula. There are three ways to prepare formula for your baby.

The three ways are:

-   Powdered: This is the cheapest kind. You need to add water to it.
    First, boil the water. The water should be sterile. Just do what the
    label says.

-   Concentrated: This is a thick liquid. You must also mix it with
    sterile (boiled) water.

-   Ready-to-feed: This formula is already mixed with water. It's the
    easiest to use. But it costs the most.

You should ask your doctor about what kind of formula to buy for your
baby. Some formulas are sold for babies with special problems. Your
doctor can tell you which formula is best for your baby.

There is a date on the formula. Do not use the formula after this date.
The formula will not be safe to give to your baby after this date.

Prepare formula by carefully following instructions on the can. Opened
cans of formula or prepared bottles can be stored in a refrigerator for
up to 48 hours. Any formula left in the bottle after a feeding should be
thrown away.

Generally, the baby is fed four to six ounces of warmed formula every
three to four hours. To be sure that he gets enough formula, ask your
doctor about how much is good for your baby.

Make sure your baby's caregiver has enough formula to give to your baby.
And be sure to tell the caregiver how much formula your baby takes.

You and your baby's caregiver should not make up your own infant
formula. Do not add honey, corn syrup or anything to the baby's formula.
This can make your baby sick.

Do not feed your baby:

-   Cow's milk

-   Goat's milk

-   Evaporated milk

-   Condensed milk

# Your Baby Is Sleeping Longer at Night

You can start putting your baby to bed while he is still awake. Remember
to put him to sleep on his back. Let him go to sleep on his own, alone.
When he awakens during the night, he sometimes may go back to sleep on
his own. This is much easier on the parents!

Every baby will have a different sleep pattern. By now, most babies are
in a routine. At three months, a baby naps about five hours during the
day. He sleeps longer at night. He may wake up at night to be fed. You
don't have to wake your baby for feedings at night. If your baby sleeps
through the night, he will feed more often during the day.

Some babies begin sleeping through the night at a few months of age.
Others don't sleep through the night until they are one or two years old
or even older. Has your baby been sleeping in the same room with you?
This is a good age to move him into another room, if possible.

# 

# 

# Wet Diapers 

Your baby is getting enough fluids if he has seven to 10 wet diapers a
day. The diapers can be cloth or regular disposable diapers. Babies vary
in the number of bowel movements they have each day. Sometimes babies
may not have a bowel movement for two to three days. The baby is not
constipated as long as the bowel movement is soft and passes easily.

# Help Your Baby Every Day

Here are things you can do to help your baby every day:

Babies learn by watching and touching things. They are exploring their
world. Encourage exploration. Promote your baby's curiosity and
exploration by holding things within his reach and helping him touch
them.

Exploring on his own is important for your baby. But don't limit it to
that. Help him seek new experiences, like reaching for your hand and
touching your fingers. Babies also like to feel things that are soft,
fuzzy or smooth.

Be your baby's teacher. Your baby learns about life by watching you and
what you do.

Babies learn when you do simple, everyday things. This is as simple as
looking in your baby's eyes and making funny faces. Or let him touch
your face and hair.

Get excited with your baby about all the things he does and the sounds
he makes. You and your baby will enjoy this. Make a big deal out of
little things, like when your baby makes a little sound while you're
talking to him. Let him know he is a great talker. Help him to learn to
\"talk\" back and forth. When he coos at you, gently coo back. Wait and
see if he \"answers\" you with another coo. If he does so, you should
answer him. Do this with giggles, coos and other baby sounds.

Do activities over and over again with your baby. Learning goes on each
time your baby practices a skill. Let him try new things over and over
again. This is as simple as helping him to pat his hands together.

Protect your baby from disapproval. Don't tease or punish him. Never
permit others to tease, punish or shake him. Punishment does not work
with babies. Punishment can be very harmful to babies. It can cause the
wrong lessons to be learned.

Communicate. Use sounds, songs, gestures and words with your baby. When
you do this, you help him learn about language and its many uses.

Take good care of your baby. Watch him closely. Make sure your home is a
safe place for him to explore. Try to keep an orderly, healthy routine.
Your child will begin to know that some behavior is OK at some times but
not at other times. He will also begin to know that there are reasons
for this.

# Safety Tips

Things you should do to keep your baby safe:

-   When traveling with your baby, be sure to use an infant car seat
    that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for a
    tag or label that says the seat meets these standards.

-   The middle of the back seat of the car is the safest place for your
    baby. The infant car seat must be in the back seat. The infant seat
    must face the rear of the car. It is not safe to use it in the front
    seat.

-   Check the bath water before bathing your baby. Test it with the
    inside of your wrist or with a thermometer. If possible, set the
    water heater in your home to 120 degrees.

-   Always check warmed formula to make sure it is not too hot.

-   Instruct caregivers carefully. Write things down for them. Make sure
    that everyone who takes care of your baby understands that you have
    specific expectations about how to treat and care for your baby.

-   Make sure that you and others put your baby to sleep on his back in
    a safe baby crib.

Numbers to call for information:

To learn more about safety, you can call the Consumer Product Safety
Commission at

1-800-638-2772 or you can visit their Web site at www.cpsc.gov/.

Families who cannot afford a car safety seat can contact the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They can provide information on
resources that help low-income families purchase or borrow child car
seats. You may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or visit their Web site at
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Things you should not do:

-   Never leave your baby alone on a bed, couch, table or chair.

-   Never leave your baby alone in a car.

-   Never put your baby in an infant car seat and then place the seat on
    a table or chair.

-   Never hold your baby while you are smoking, drinking something hot
    or cooking at a stove.

-   Don't allow anyone to smoke around your baby.

-   Never leave your baby alone in the bath.

-   Never hold your baby in your lap when you are riding in the car or
    driving.

-   Never shake or hit your baby.

-   Never leave your baby alone with a pet even if you know the animal
    well.

Make sure your baby's crib is safe:

-   Slats should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

-   The mattress should fit snugly in the crib.

-   The crib bumpers should fit snugly around the crib. Make sure they
    are attached so that they stay in place.

-   Check crib toys, bumpers, pacifiers, mobiles and clothing to make
    sure they have no strings longer than six inches.

# Give Safe Toys to Your Baby

Do not give your baby toys that he can choke on. Make sure toys do not
have small, detachable parts like buttons or loose tufts of cotton or
material. These things can become more weakly attached over time and
become a choking hazard. Toys or items small enough to place in his
mouth are not safe. Toys with strings or ties can cause problems. Babies
can get tangled in mobiles that are hung too close to them.

Here are some suggestions for safe toys and play activities:

-   The best toy you can give your three-month-old baby is a plastic or
    rubber ring. Watch as he explores the ring with his hands and mouth.

-   Lay your baby on his tummy and roll a brightly colored ball from
    side to side in front of him.

-   Ring a bell or squeeze a squeaky toy while your baby is watching.

-   Put some brightly colored toys in your baby's bath.

-   Blow liquid bubbles with a wand while holding your baby. He will
    love to watch the bubbles as they float by.

# Tips on Pacifiers

By now you have noticed that your baby sucks his fingers and hands a
lot. Sucking brings pleasure to a baby. This is a strong need in babies
this age. Being able to suck his own fingers and hands means he can make
himself feel good all by himself. Sucking helps him feel happy and calm.
Sometimes sucking fingers is a sign of hunger.

A baby often sucks his fingers or pacifier while he watches and learns
about his world. As something grabs his attention, he may stop sucking
for a moment to watch. He will then start to suck again.

Many parents buy pacifiers for their babies. You may have heard that
pacifiers can harm a baby's mouth. You may have heard that pacifiers
will keep a baby from developing correctly. A pacifier isn't necessary.
But it's OK if your baby uses one.

Never tie or pin a pacifier to your baby's clothes. The ribbon or string
could get wrapped around his neck. This could choke him. A pin in your
baby's clothes can stick him.

Be sure to buy the kind of pacifier that cannot come apart. Be sure it
can be washed in a dishwasher. Clean the pacifier often. You can clean
it by boiling it in water or putting it in the dishwasher.

Never dip a pacifier in sweet liquids, honey or syrups to make it tasty.
Germs in honey and syrups can make your baby sick. Sweets may cause
tooth decay when your baby is older.

# Questions Parents Ask

Is it all right to take my baby outdoors?

It is a good idea if your baby spends some time outdoors every day, as
long as the weather is not too hot or too cold and as long as he is
feeling good. Babies should be dressed for the weather. If he is sweaty
or flushed, remove some clothes. If he is

shivering or has goose bumps, add some clothes. It is important for your
baby to wear a cap to cover his head in cold weather.

Use sunscreen made for babies. Put it on your baby before you take him
outside. Even with sunscreen, it's best to keep him shaded when he is
outdoors. Keep him out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun is
hottest during this time. Don't let him get sunburned.

Is it all right to take my baby to crowded places?

The only problem with crowds of people is the germs that your baby might
pick up. People want to hold or pick up a small baby. Babies can pick up
illnesses very easily. Try to keep strangers from playing with your
baby. It can prevent the spread of germs. You should also keep your baby
away from people who are sneezing or who have runny noses.

# What's It Like To Be Three Months Old?

How I grow

-   I don't bob my head as much.

-   I keep my hands loosely open most of the time.

-   I will hold objects, but I will not reach for them.

-   I move my arms and legs a lot.

-   When held in a standing position, I can bear some weight on my legs.

-   When I'm on my tummy, I can hold my head up for 10 seconds or
    longer.

-   I touch my face with my hands.

How I talk

-   I gurgle, whimper and chuckle.

-   I don't cry as much as I used to.

-   I squeal and make other sounds when you talk to me.

How I eat and sleep

-   I may have one feeding at night.

-   I may sleep through the night.

-   I may need a morning nap and an afternoon nap.

How I respond

-   When I see you, I turn my whole body to face you.

-   I turn my head toward the sounds of singing or talking.

-   I may stop or start crying depending on who is holding me.

How I understand

-   I'm beginning to remember things.

-   I'm beginning to recognize different people in my family.

**Your Baby Has Emotions, Too**

Your baby starts to develop socially at an early age. He also has
emotions from an early age. Social and emotional growth start long
before your baby can talk or move around.

Infants quickly understand and show emotions in their own way. Your baby
learns to make himself happy. He watches things that interest him. He
finds ways to occupy himself. Little by little, your baby also finds out
how to get a response from you.

Your baby can show how happy or how excited he is. You see this when you
play and talk with him. Research shows that babies are fussier when
parents or other adults argue. It may be best to protect your baby from
the ups and downs between the adults in his life.

Help your baby show different emotions. Help him show happiness. Help
him show sadness. Talk to him about how he feels about particular things
--- "That big dog sort of scares you, doesn't it?" Do this when you are
with him. This helps him make sense of the world. He will have the
skills to join in successfully.

Babies start out with easy-to-read types of emotions. They might smile
or laugh to show happiness. They might pout or cry to show they are mad
or sad. Over time, they show many different emotions. They will show
pride. They will show worry. With your help, your baby will learn more
ways to respond to what is happening in his life.

**Games To Play with Your Baby**

Your baby needs to play to learn about the world. When you play with
your baby, remember that your baby needs you to touch and hold him. He
needs to look at you and have eye contact.

Your baby also needs to look at, feel, taste, smell and hear different
things. He needs to move around. His experiences with toys and objects
help him begin to learn how things work and that objects have different
shapes,

colors and textures.

Give your baby objects of different sizes and textures (square, round,
hard, soft, fuzzy, long, short, sticky). Make sure these objects are
safe. They need to be too large for your baby to put into his mouth.
(Small objects are dangerous. Your baby can choke on them.)

Help your baby play with these objects. Show him how to hold them and
make them move.

If you have a crib mobile above where you change the baby's diaper, give
it a jiggle to make it move. Your baby enjoys watching things move. He
might hold still for a moment so you can put the diaper on more easily.
You can play patty cake on his tummy when you change him, too.

When he coos or gurgles, make the sound back. Babies love to make sounds
back and forth with you. It is the first step toward talking.

Sing songs to your baby. Sing lively tunes when he is awake. Sing soft
lullabies when you are quieting him. You can even make up your own
songs.

# Things To Do with Your Baby

Your baby stays awake longer now. That means he has more time to explore
his world. He is still learning about his body, so he may play with his
hands or touch his own eyes, nose, mouth and chin.

He is more involved in his surroundings. He no longer waits for someone
to smile or speak to him. He seeks out faces, then smiles and babbles.

Here are some activities that will help your baby learn more about the
world around him:

-   Take your baby outside and sit under a tree. He will enjoy watching
    birds and seeing lights and shadows as they move through the trees.
    He can hear new sounds, too, like rustling leaves, birds calling and
    the engines of cars and airplanes.

-   Cradle your baby in your lap, and support his back and head with
    your arms. Gently rock him back and forth while you sing.

-   Help your baby learn to roll by placing your hands under his
    shoulders. Gently rock him back and forth. Talk to him while you are
    doing this.

-   Whisper in your baby's ear. Talk to your baby about things and make
    different sounds -- like a moo, a bark, a meow or a peep.

**Babies Learn in Many Ways**

The early wiring of your baby's brain sets the stage for future
development. The kinds of experiences he has in his first three years
have a deep and lasting impact. So does the quality of his
relationships. What he sees, hears and does helps his brain develop.
This helps him learn new skills.

The brain controls how your baby's body works. It also controls thinking
and feeling. It controls learning and memory.

What you say and do with your baby helps his brain grow and develop.
This happens when you show your baby how to shake a rattle. It happens
when you show him how to reach for a stuffed bear and touch it. It
happens when you help him make new sounds.

Play with your baby. Talk to him. Doing this many times each day will
make a difference in how his brain develops. It helps him to learn how
to talk. Say lots of different words. Point out objects. For example,
say to him, "Look, here's a spoon. Can you see the spoon?"

Different babies learn new skills in different ways. Cherish the way
your baby learns new things. Doing many things with your baby in
different ways can help your baby learn. It helps his brain to develop.

Have fun with your baby. Do things with your baby in your own way. Your
baby is special. As a father or mother, you are the most important
person in your baby's life.

**You Can Help Your Baby Learn**

You can do many things to encourage your baby's learning and successful
development. These are easy things to do. You can just have fun with
your baby, and he will learn. You can just be a parent, and your baby
can just be a baby.

Here are things you can do:

-   Give your baby things to play with. Babies like to hold things and
    put them in their mouths. Help your baby play with new toys and
    objects. Make sure what you give your baby is safe. (Never give your
    baby a balloon or a plastic bag to play with. He can choke on these
    things.)

-   Give your baby things to look at. Brightly colored mobiles over a
    crib help his vision develop. Hang the mobiles high enough so that
    your baby can't pull them down. You can also show pictures of faces
    to your baby.

-   Talk to your baby and read to your baby. Use a kind voice.

-   Respond when your baby cries. This helps him learn that he can
    communicate to make his needs known.

-   Take your baby to different places and let him see different things.

-   Touch your baby and cuddle him. Make sure he knows you love him.
    Talk softly and calmly. Be soothing.

**Exercise Keeps You Healthy**

Six weeks after the baby is born, most moms can go back to normal
activities. Doctors often give new mothers exercises to do. Exercise
helps you tone your muscles.

If you have not been active before, think about it now. Being active is
good for moms and dads. Most of the time, people who exercise often are
less tired. And they deal with stress better. To exercise, you don't
have to play a sport.

You can walk for exercise. A brisk walk burns more calories than a slow
walk. This is true as long as the length of time you walk is the same.
If you have 30 minutes to exercise, you will burn more calories by
walking briskly than by walking slowly.

Even slow walking will help a person who starts out in poor shape. A

person in better shape will need to walk faster or for a longer time to
get new benefits.

Sometimes it helps to have someone to walk with. Try walking every day
with your husband or a friend. In good weather, take your baby with you
in a stroller. Your baby will enjoy your activity, and he'll benefit
from it, too!

**Things You Can Do To Relax**

With a young baby, you may be feeling extra stress. You can find some
ways to relax.

Every day, you should take 15 or 20 minutes to relax. The first thing to
do is to put your baby in a safe place.

Notice what part of your body is tense. Perhaps you feel tense in your
shoulder muscles or in your arms or legs. Stretch that part of your body
out and relax it gently. Keep it relaxed while breathing in and out.
Flex and relax each part of your body.

You can do breathing exercises almost anywhere. Slow down your
breathing. Count slowly up to four when you breathe in. Then count
slowly up to four when you breathe out. Or pause slightly after you
breathe in, and pause again after you breathe out.

These breathing exercises help you through periods of waiting. You can
do them when stuck in traffic or when you are on hold on the telephone.
Take a moment to do them when your baby is crying and won't stop.

Other things you can do to help you relax:

-   Schedule time for phone calls to people you enjoy.

-   Have lunch once a week with a special friend.

-   Plan a special time to be with your child's father.

-   Walk or do aerobics.

-   Get or give a backrub.

-   Listen to calming music.

**Teach Your Baby To Trust**

Your baby needs you to help him feel secure and safe in the world.
Gaining your baby's trust is one of the most important things you can do
as a parent.

The way to teach your baby to trust you is to meet his needs. Sometimes
parents are afraid they may spoil a baby by paying too much attention to
him. Meeting your baby's needs is not spoiling him. In fact, when you
feed him, change his diapers and comfort him when he's fussy, you are
helping him grow and feel more secure.

You may feel you have the hardest time meeting your baby's need for
comfort when he's fussy. These times are hard on you and your baby.

Babies can fuss for all kinds of reasons. They have many things to
learn, such as how to talk and how to control their hands and feet. They
also need to learn how to get your attention when they need it. Your
baby isn't fussing to annoy you or because he is spoiled.

You already have learned some things that help him. You have learned to
hold him close, rock him, bathe him and make faces at him. You have
learned to sing to him. You have learned to pick him up and walk him
around. You have learned to always be gentle and calm with him.

When you take care of your baby's daily needs, he will feel safe and
secure. For example, your baby may quit crying when he sees you
preparing to feed him or change his diaper. He has learned to trust you.
He knows he doesn't have to keep crying.

Your baby will spend time amusing himself by looking around. He will
also "talk" to himself. He will play with his hands and feet.

These periods when your baby amuses himself will get longer. This is a
sign that he feels safe, secure and trusting.

**Ask Others for Help**

Having a baby is exciting and joyous. There's so much to do and learn.
Your whole family is excited. But having a new baby brings lots of new
feelings and changes in your life.

You may be worried about whether you are a good parent. You may wonder
whether you can meet your baby's needs. Keeping your baby fed, bathed
and diapered is a big job. He also wants to bond with you emotionally.

Your baby likes to be held. He likes to be talked to. He likes to talk
back to you and likes to have you answer his smiles, coos, giggles and
other baby sounds. He likes to be rocked and comforted.

How do you take care of yourself when your baby needs so much comforting
and care? You need to know that it is common to feel run down. If you
feel run down, ask others for help.

When you need to rest, let your baby's father take over. Or ask other
family members to help. Your baby needs to bond with his father and
other members of the family. He needs to be close to his grandparents,
aunts, uncles and cousins. Be sure your friends and relatives know how
to take care of and be with your baby.

Don't be surprised if you feel kind of sad the first few weeks after
having your baby. It is common for a new mom to feel this way. It
doesn't mean you are a bad parent. You need time to get your body back
to normal. And you need to adjust to the changes your baby brings to
your life.

Sometimes this feeling of sadness can be strong. If this happens, you
may be having postpartum depression. "Postpartum" means "after birth."
Some new mothers have this kind of depression. Your doctor will know
ways to help you.

Don't try to hide these feelings from your family or your doctor. It is
important to talk about what is happening. Get help if you need it.

**Information Resources for Families**

Families who are enrolled in the WIC program (Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) can get information
on breastfeeding, formula feeding and nutrition at their local WIC
office. Families eligible for WIC receive nutrition counseling and
supplemental foods such as baby formula, milk and cereal. To find the
WIC office nearest you, call your state health department or visit the
WIC Web site at www.fns.usda.gov/wic/. Many public libraries offer free
access to the Internet and provide help for first-time users.

For information about early childhood education initiatives, you may
contact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit the
Web site at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/teachingouryoungest/.

To learn about child-care options, you may contact the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Child Care Aware by phone at
1-800-424-2246 or visit their Web site at www.childcareaware.org/.

For more information and resources on postpartum depression,
breastfeeding and many other women's health issues call The National
Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at

1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). You can visit their Web site at
www.4woman.org/.

To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at
1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.

To learn more about free or low-cost health insurance for children, you
can call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Insure Kids
Now program at 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also visit their Web site at
www.insurekidsnow.gov/.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers' (AAPCC) poison
control hotline,

1-800-222-1222, should be on your list of emergency numbers. To learn
more, you can visit the AAPCC Web site at www.aapcc.org/.

Families who cannot afford a car safety seat can contact the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They can provide information on
resources that help low-income families purchase or borrow child car
seats. You may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or visit their Web site at
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

To learn more about safety, you can call the Consumer Product Safety
Commission at

1-800-638-2772 or you can visit their Web site at www.cpsc.gov/.

**Coming Next Month**

Helping Your Baby To Fall Asleep

Coping with Stress

Toy Safety Is Important

Helping Your Baby Explore

...and much more!

This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture,
Education and Health and Human Services, and is in the public domain.
Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. While
permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation
should be: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education
and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, *Healthy Start, Grow
Smart, Your Three-Month-Old*, Washington, D.C., 2002.

To obtain copies of this report,

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U. S. Department of
Education, P. O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398;

or fax your request to: (301) 470-1244;

or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov

or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). If
877

service is not yet available in your area, call 1-800-872-5327
(1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call

1-800-437-0833.

or order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html/.

This publication is available to download on the Department of
Education\'s Web site at:
www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlychildhood/healthystart/. It will also be
available in Spanish on the Department of Education\'s Web site in
August 2002.

On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as
Braille, large print, audiotape or computer diskette. For more
information, please contact the Department's Alternate Format Center
(202) 260-9895 or (202) 205-8113.