What developmental milestone should a 3-month-old infant be able to achieve, which the nurse should monitor?

At 3 months of age, one of the key developmental milestones is the ability to raise the head while in a prone (face-down) position. This skill reflects the developing neck and back muscle strength of the infant. By this age, a healthy infant should be able to lift their head to approximately a 45-degree angle, which is crucial for later milestones such as rolling over and sitting up.

Monitoring this ability is essential because it provides insight into the infant's motor development and overall physical growth. If a child is not achieving this milestone, it may indicate potential developmental delays that require further evaluation.

While other milestones, such as social smiling and grasping objects, are also important for a 3-month-old, the clear and specific motor skill of raising the head in a prone position is particularly critical to assess at this stage of development. The ability to sit without support typically develops later, around 6 months of age, highlighting the importance of focusing on age-appropriate benchmarks in monitoring growth and development.