Sleep regressions are progress
A new skill usually shows up in the days after a rough sleep patch. Hold the routine steady rather than changing everything at once.
3-6 months
Patterns start to make sense
Movement becomes smoother and your baby notices that things change in predictable ways: a rattle sounds when it moves, you appear when they cry.
Signs you may notice
- Reaches deliberately for a toy
- Everything goes to the mouth
- Laughs out loud at silly sounds
- Sleep suddenly gets messy again
Parenting guidance
Mouthing is research
The mouth has more nerve endings than the fingertips at this age. Offer safe, washable objects instead of redirecting constantly.
Play ideas for this jump
Cause and effect grabs
Hold a rattle just within reach. The pause before the grab is where the learning happens.
Mirror talk
Sit together in front of a mirror and narrate. Copying expressions builds early turn taking.