Wondering how to entertain a 3-month-old — especially during those short, unpredictable wake windows?
At this age, babies don’t need elaborate activities. What they do need is simple interaction that supports development, works with limited attention spans, and fits into real life at home.
This guide focuses on easy, developmentally appropriate activities for 3-month-old babies — whether they’re alert, fussy, gassy, or just along for the day.
💡These 3-month activities are just the beginning! Discover what’s coming next with our comprehensive guide to monthly baby activities and milestones.
Quick Picks: Activities for a 3-Month-Old Baby
Short on time? These tried-and-true activities work especially well for 3-month-old babies, depending on their mood and wake window.
- Best for alert wake windows: Tummy Time, Mirror Play, Show & Tell
- Best when baby is fussy: Walking Outside, Slow Dancing, Baby Massage
- Best for gas relief: Cycling Legs, Airplane Hold, Gentle Stretching
- Best low-effort activities: Narrating Chores, Story Time, Singing
- Best developmental play: Reaching for Toys, Rattles, Bumpy Ball
When Your 3-Month-Old Is Alert and Engaged
Best for those short windows when your baby is awake, curious, and ready to interact.
Tummy Time
A cornerstone activity for building neck, shoulder, and core strength.
Quiet judgment: Works best right after a diaper change — many babies tolerate it longer when they’re already on the floor.
💡To level up your tummy time, this water splash play mat introduces bright colors, sharp contrasts, and cute floating toys to your baby. They’ll try to reach and bat the toys as they float by, helping develop their hand-eye coordination.
Mirror Play
Babies love faces, especially familiar ones — and eventually, their own.
Quiet judgment: Keep it playful and brief; overstimulation can happen faster than you expect.
💡Hold up an unbreakable mirror up for your baby or stand in front of a mirror. At first, they might try to reach out and touch the baby they see in the reflection. Over time they’ll learn that it’s their own reflection they’re looking at.
Show and Tell
Hold up everyday objects, name them, and move them side to side to encourage visual tracking.
Reaching for Toys
Place toys just within reach during tummy time or floor play to encourage grasping and coordination.
Bumpy Ball Play
A textured ball encourages reaching, grasping, and sensory exploration. This bumpy ball is a safe toy for your three month old to help develop their sense of touch and encourage reaching and fine motor skills like grasping.
Easy-Grasp Ball Play
Soft, flexible balls help babies practice holding and transferring objects between hands.
Fun with Mobiles
Gentle movement and music provide visual stimulation during calm, awake moments.
Quiet judgment: Best used in short bursts — not as all-day background noise.
Gentle Play for Short Wake Windows
Low-pressure activities that fit into everyday routines and don’t require setup.
Story Time
Reading helps build language skills long before babies understand words.
Quiet judgment: It’s about your voice, not finishing the book — it’s normal if they lose interest quickly.
💡Here is a list of 100 Best Books for Your Baby’s Nursery, including black and white books with lots of contrasts, nursery rhymes, and more.
Singing Songs
Songs with repetition and movement help with early language and rhythm.
Patty-Cake
A simple, familiar game that supports social interaction and coordination.
Peek-A-Boo
Introduces early object permanence and almost always gets a smile.
Copycat (Babbling Back and Forth)
Imitating your baby’s sounds encourages early communication.
Quiet judgment: Eye contact matters more than “correct” sounds at this stage.
When Your Baby Is Fussy or Overtired
These activities are soothing, rhythmic, and often work when nothing else does.
Take a Walk
Fresh air and motion can calm even the fussiest babies.
Slow Dancing
Gentle movement paired with closeness is both calming and bonding.
Car Ride
The vibration and motion can be surprisingly soothing for some babies.
Quiet judgment: Not every baby loves car rides — if it backfires, skip it without guilt.
Baby Massage
A calming way to relax muscles and connect through touch.
Swinging (Hammock or Playground Swing)
Gentle back-and-forth motion can help babies settle.
Activities That Support Physical Development
Simple movements that build strength, coordination, and body awareness.
Rolling Practice
Encourage side-to-side movement by placing a toy just out of reach. Babies aren’t expected to roll yet – this is just about encouraging side-to-side movement and awareness.
Stretching
Gentle arm and leg stretches help babies explore movement and flexibility.
Cycling Legs
Helpful for gas and digestion, especially during fussy periods.
Baby Pull-Ups
Support your baby’s hands as you gently pull them up to strengthen their core.
Quiet judgment: Go slow — this should feel controlled, not like an exercise routine.
Bouncing on an Exercise Ball
Provides sensory input and core engagement when done carefully and briefly.
Sensory Play for Curious Babies
Activities that introduce new textures, sounds, and experiences.
Raid Your Closet (Texture Play)
Let your baby feel different fabrics like cotton, silk, or knit materials.
Window Play
For a fun activity, attach these suction cup spinner toys to a window. The jingle bells and rotating wind leaves will entertain and stimulate your babies senses.
Rattles
Help babies connect cause and effect as they discover they can make sounds.
Balloon Play
Light, slow-moving balloons are great for visual tracking.
Quiet judgment: Always supervise closely — popped balloons are a choking hazard. Mylar balloons are a safer option than latex if you have one.
What’s That Smell?
Introduce safe scents like vanilla or cinnamon to engage a new sense.
Play That Fits Into Real Life
Activities that happen while you’re already doing something else.
Household Chores
Wearing your baby while folding laundry or cooking lets them observe and feel close. Talking through what you’re doing counts as interaction and language exposure.
Gym Time (Activity Gym)
Provides independent play while still allowing interaction.
Mommy & Me Classes
A great option if you’re craving structure and adult interaction.
Just-for-Fun (and Often a Big Hit)
Bubbles
Babies love watching and swatting bubbles as they float.
Quiet judgment: Fun, but keep it short — some babies get overstimulated quickly.
Airplane Hold
Great for giggles and relieving gas, especially in the evening.
Jumping in a Jumperoo
Offers novelty, lights, and movement once neck control improves.
Quiet judgment: Use sparingly — floor play still matters more at this age.
Find Your Feet
Foot rattles help babies become aware of their bodies and movements. These colorful foot finders are wearable rattles that go on your baby’s feet and wrists to attract their attention and entertain them.
More Baby Activity Ideas
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
