3-Month-Old: Week 1

You've been rocking — get ready for rolling. Between now and your baby's sixth month, he'll learn how to roll over. Active infants who love to stiffen and arch their backs are likely to roll over sooner than mellow babies, who are more content to lie on their backs and enjoy visual pleasures all around.

Both types of babies will probably practice getting ready for this big rollover move by wiggling from side to side on their tummies. That's why it's a good idea to make sure your baby has plenty of "floor time" — opportunity to lie on the floor (or on a blanket on the floor or ground) to stretch out and play with you. He can't practice rolling if he's in his car seat, swing, bouncer, or sling all day long. You'll likely see your baby start a "mini-pushup" and then kick himself over onto his back. Eventually he'll be able to flip over onto his tummy again too.

Your baby is also probably able to sit upright when propped by blankets or pillows. If he can do this for short periods without slumping forward or immediately toppling to the side, by all means let him enjoy the new views that come with sitting upright in a stroller or next to you on the sofa. (Take care not to leave a propped infant unattended. Even a seemingly stable pre-sitter can topple over.)

How your baby's growing

Even though your baby has been able to recognize you since he was just a few days old, he may now be able to show it. About half of babies this age begin to exhibit an obvious recognition of their parents.

Most likely he'll still smile at strangers, especially when they look him straight in the eye and coo or talk to him. But he's beginning to sort out who's who in his life, and he definitely prefers you, your partner, and a select few over others.

Your baby may quiet down and make eye contact with you, or he may search for you in a room and move his arms in excitement or smile when he finds you. He may even find your scent calming and comforting.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 3-month-old's development.

Your life: When the baby blues don't pass

Do you feel anxious and moody a lot but chalk it up to new-mom nerves? Has your partner or a friend wondered if your "baby blues" may be more serious as the weeks have gone on? Don't let embarrassment or pride keep you from talking with your doctor. As many as 10 to 20 percent of new mothers develop postpartum depression, which can last from two weeks to as long as a year. It's a real and treatable illness.

So if you're still not feeling like yourself three months after giving birth, ask yourself the following questions, which were developed by the Postpartum Stress Center: Do you...
• have trouble sleeping?
• find you're exhausted most of the time?
• notice a decrease in your appetite?
• worry about little things that never used to bother you?
• wonder if you'll ever have time to yourself again?
• think your children would be better off without you?
• worry your husband will get tired of you feeling this way?
• snap at your husband and children over everything?
• think everyone else is a better mother than you are?
• cry over the slightest thing?
• no longer enjoy the things you used to enjoy?
• isolate yourself from your friends and neighbors?
• fear leaving the house or being alone?
• have anxiety attacks?
• have unexplained anger?
• have difficulty concentrating?
• think something else is wrong with you or your marriage?
• feel like you'll always feel this way and never get better?If you answered yes to three or more questions, seek advice and treatment.

3 questions about: Diaper rash

What causes it?
The telltale reddish rough skin of diaper rash is usually caused by wetness and chafing. Urine or stool trapped for long periods in the area cause irritation and the growth of bacteria. Sometimes a skin infection (dermatitis) can result. Less often, the diaper itself or its fragrance may cause the irritation (try changing brands to see if that solves the problem).

How can I make it go away?
Dryness is the surest cure for garden-variety diaper rash. Change your baby's diaper frequently — don't let her linger in a dirty or wet one. Wipe the area thoroughly and allow it to air-dry a little. One idea: Let your baby play bare-bottomed for a while in a crib or playpen you've protected with plastic sheeting.Some moms swear by rubbing diapering ointment on the affected skin to create a barrier between the baby and waste products whose bacteria cause the irritation and infection. Creams that contain white zinc oxide are thicker than petroleum jelly, stay on the skin longer, and provide more protection. In cases of severe rash, you can also use an over-the-counter yeast cream, but it's a good idea to check with your doctor first.

How can I prevent diaper rash?
Keeping your baby dry and clean is the surest way to avoid diaper rash. Change him often and clean the genitals thoroughly. In hot weather, you might try applying a little cornstarch after wiping, to help dry the area.Make sure diapers aren't too tight. Leave room for air to circulate around your baby's bottom.If you're breastfeeding, continue as long as you can, as breast milk changes the pH of your baby's urine and stool, making it less likely that they'll cause diaper rash.