TABLE OF CONTENT:
Why Is Baby Fussy at 3 Months? 4 Common Reasons and What You Can Do
If you’ve been wondering, “Why is baby fussy at 3 months?”, you’re certainly not alone. Many parents find this stage unexpectedly challenging. Just as you start to get into a rhythm, your little one may become unsettled, crying more, baby refusing feeds, or struggling to sleep.
The good news is that this behaviour is perfectly normal and often part of healthy development. Below are 4 common reasons your baby might be fussy at 3 months, along with 4 practical solutions to help ease the fussiness.
1. Growth Spurts
At around 3 months, babies often go through a growth spurt, which can make them hungrier, fussier, and more difficult to settle. You might notice changes in feeding and sleeping patterns.
Solution:
Offer feeds more frequently, even if it hasn’t been long since the last one. Growth spurts usually last just a few days, so be patient and give your baby plenty of comfort and rest. More on grow spurts here.
2. Fussy Feeding or Baby Refusing Feeds
It’s quite common for 3-month-old babies to refuse the breast or bottle, feed for shorter periods, or fuss during mealtimes. This could be due to distractions, trapped wind, teething discomfort, or changes in milk flow.
Solution:
Try feeding in a quiet, calm environment to reduce distractions. Hold your baby upright and ensure proper winding during and after feeds. If bottle-feeding, experiment with different teat flows. If breastfeeding, check your latch and milk flow or speak to a health visitor for support.
3. Sleep Disruption – sleep regression
Your baby’s sleep cycles begin to mature around this time, which can cause them to wake more frequently, resist naps, or become overtired. This sleep regression can lead to crankiness and more frequent crying.
Solution:
Start a gentle bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, soft lullabies, and low lighting to help your baby wind down. Try to stick to consistent nap times and watch for early tired signs like yawning or rubbing eyes. More on 4 months sleep regression here.
4. Increased alertness, Overstimulation and Sensory Development
At 3 months, babies become far more aware of their surroundings. They may be fascinated by lights, faces, and sounds, but this sudden increase in sensory input can also lead to overstimulation and baby fussy at 3 months.
Solution:
If your baby seems overwhelmed, hold them close in a quiet, dimly lit room. Gentle rocking, skin-to-skin contact, or a walk in the pram can be soothing. Keep stimulation low, especially before naps and bedtime.
Final Thoughts
So, why is baby fussy at 3 months? Often, it’s a combination of growth, feeding changes, sleep shifts, and new sensory experiences. While it can feel exhausting, rest assured it’s all part of your baby’s development, and it will pass.
Respond with patience, offer plenty of comfort, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from your health professional or a sleep consultant if you’re unsure. You know your baby best, and you’re doing a great job.
Remember: You are not alone. You are not doing anything wrong. And this will get better.
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