By month three, your little guy will probably begin developing a personality all his own — and some new tricks. He may be reaching for objects, smiling spontaneously, and turning in the direction of that special voice — yours. What can you do to help him socialize? Try carrying him in a sitting position and showing him soft lights and bright colors. Also this month, learn about:

• Building Your Baby's "People Skills"
• New Baby Signals: "Jazz Hands"
• 3-Month-Old Sleep Patterns

Building Your Baby's "People Skills"

Your baby is becoming quite the socialite, taking in more and more of the world around him. Help him get more acquainted by:

• Rocking him in a rocking chair. As you hold him, talk softly and look into his eyes.
• Singing quietly to him before bed.
• Giving him different textures to feel, such as stuffed animals, plastic toys, or pieces of terry cloth or rubber. (Because your baby may put the objects in his mouth, be sure they're not too small and that the pieces can't be torn off and swallowed.)
• Having quiet times. Babies need some quiet time to babble, play, and explore their world, so don't leave a radio, TV, or stereo on for long periods.
• Looking in mirrors. Put a nonbreakable metal or plastic baby mirror in the crib or playpen. Show him the mirrors around your home.
• Propping him up so he can watch what goes on around him

New Baby Signals: "Jazz Hands"

Your baby will may also spend a large amount of time entertaining himself with "jazz hands." In other words, most of the time, his hands will be open. The act of opening and closing them, as well as staring at them, will be almost as fun for your baby as exploring his stuffed animals.

While it may look like it's all fun and games, your baby is also working on strengthening his hand muscles. With all this practice, in five to six months, he should be able to pick up toys. To help him along, try putting a rattle in his hand, and gently tugging on it; this also helps him build muscle.

3-Month-Old Sleep Patterns

By now, your baby may be sleeping for five- to six-hour stretches during the night. Here are some tips to try to help him get his z's:

• Establish a before-bed routine, whether it's gently rocking him in your arms or stroking his back and arms.
• Whenever possible, try not to run to him on his first cry — even though it's hard not to! If it's a cry of distress or continues for a few minutes, check it out.
• Check for a wet diaper, vomiting, fever, or other signs that he's in distress. If his diaper needs changing, try to do it quickly and quietly, without taking him out of the crib and stimulating him too much.
• If he doesn't need a diaper change (and he's not ill), gently rub his back and talk to him in a soothing voice until he calms down. Then say "good night" and leave the room.