3-Month-Old: Week 4

Your baby loves to reach out and touch anyone and anything he can grasp onto. With increasing coordination, he can reach for and pick up things that pique his interest. You can help him practice his grabbing skills by outfitting his crib and playpen with fascinating toys, especially ones that squeak and rattle. Spending time in an activity saucer or under a floor gym has the same effect.

How your baby's growing
When placed on her stomach, your baby will lift her head and shoulders high, using her arms for support. This mini push-up helps strengthen her muscles and gives her a better view of what's going on. She may even amaze you (and herself!) by rolling from her back to her front, or vice versa.

You can encourage this skill through play: Wiggle a toy next to the side she customarily rolls to in case she's interested enough to try again. Applaud her efforts and smile. She may need your reassurance since her new skill can be frightening.

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

Your life: Leaving your baby

Guilt isn't necessarily bad. It's an internal signal that we're concerned and caring. In fact, you wouldn't be a good parent if you didn't feel pangs of anxiety when leaving your baby with your parents or a trusted babysitter.

That being said, it's not a good idea to consistently give in to your guilt. The need to keep your baby safe with you should be weighed against other realities, such as your mental health (taking breaks from your baby is also a good thing), your need to bring in income through work, and your baby's need, over time, to be socialized with others. A babysitter can be both necessary and valuable.

If you've never hired a babysitter, ask for references from other parents you trust. Once you've found someone, ask her over and have her sit with your baby while you do household chores. That way you can occasionally observe how she interacts with your child. Limit your first trips away from the house to quick shopping trips. When you leave the house, try not to let your apprehensiveness show. If you seem nervous, your baby will pick up on that, making separation harder for both of you.

3 questions about: Chubbiness

What if my baby looks fat?
Obesity has become the health buzzword of the day. While it's unhealthy for anyone to carry too much fat, your pediatrician is unlikely to be too worried if your baby is chubby. Some babies are born plump, others grow that way — but not because they have an unhealthy diet and don't exercise. It's because they haven't developed much muscle yet. This kind of baby fat won't necessarily stay with your child as she grows.

Should she go on a diet?
No. First, your pediatrician will check to see if your baby's weight and height are within the guidelines for her age. If she's too heavy, it's likely your doctor will simply watch to see how she grows. It's pretty rare for a doctor to be too concerned at this age, especially before solids have been added to a baby's diet.

Does this mean my baby will always have weight trouble?
No. A plump baby does not foreshadow a plump teenager or adult. Many big babies slim down once they begin crawling and walking. They simply store their baby fat differently. As your baby grows, you can keep her fit and healthy by encouraging floor play. Feed her only when she's hungry, and avoid using a bottle to calm her when she's upset or stressed. Instead, offer her a toy or love and kisses.