3-Month-Old: Week 3

By now your baby has gone from being a passive observer of the world around her to being — or, at least, wanting to be — an active participant. Some babies this age even like to try "standing." If your baby seems to want to stand up while being held securely on your lap, it means her leg muscles are probably sturdy enough to try this new sensation, at least briefly.

How your baby's growing

Your baby's starting to draw conclusions about the world around him. He's looking at everything with curiosity, even his own reflection.

Prop an unbreakable mirror next to him or sit him in front of your mirror when you're getting ready. Your baby won't realize that it's actually his image in the mirror (this usually begins to happen well into the second year), but that doesn't matter. He'll love to stare at his — or anyone else's — reflection, and he may show his delight by an all-out gum grin.

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

Your life: Changing friendships
Having a new baby brings changes in your relationships with everyone — and that includes your friendships. Sometimes old friends who have no children are as delighted by your baby as you are, and aside from a few accommodations to your schedule, things continue as they once did. But others may not be as excited about your new phase of life. Some may be envious, others bored, and still others may simply have no interest in children. You can't blame your friends entirely. You're changing, too. Interests you once shared with certain people — skydiving, nightclubbing, shopping for shoes 'til you dropped — may no longer mesh with your new lifestyle.

Although you can't expect everything to stay exactly the same, it helps to try to strike a balance between your old way of being together and your new situation. Your friend can't expect you to abandon all thoughts of your baby, and you can't expect her to want to talk only about motherhood. Look for common ground in your activities and time together. It's great if you can sometimes go out to lunch, just the two of you, and other times have her come to your house to visit with the baby, for example.

The short of it, though, is to expect a certain amount of change in your friendships. You may drift apart from some pals, but at the same time your baby will bring you into the orbit of new friends. Through playgroups, mom support networks, and chance encounters, you and your partner will meet other new parents with whom you have a lot in common.

3 questions about: Thrush

What is it?
Thrush is an infection in your baby's mouth, caused by the fungus Candida albicans. If you see white spots on the inside of his lips and cheeks that don't easily wipe away (like spit up does), they could be thrush.The fungus grows in moist, warm, sugary environments — just like the inside of your baby's mouth. If you're breastfeeding, your nipples can become infected when your baby latches on. Thrush can then cause nipples to be dry, sore, and painful during feedings. Thrush can also cause a vaginal yeast infection. You're more vulnerable if you're stressed and your resistance is low.

What can be done about it?
See your doctor or healthcare provider. She'll likely prescribe an antifungal medication for both you and your baby. It's important that you both are treated so that you don't continue to reinfect each other. It will probably take several weeks for the condition to go away once treatment has begun.During treatment, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Also wash all your baby's toys and pacifiers in boiling water. Applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Lotrimin AF on your nipples can help you, as can ibuprofen.

How does thrush affect my baby?
While it's annoying to you, your baby may show no ill effects at all. Some babies with thrush are more irritable and less interested in feeding, however, due to soreness in their cheeks and gums.