By the second and third months, the postpartum period as most people think of it is coming to an end. Life has found a rhythm and is calming down. However, this doesn't mean that your baby stops changing. Change is constant in a new baby's life.

Physical Development

Your baby's movements will begin to take on a purpose. Her muscles will begin to relax and her hands uncurl. First, your baby will begin to extend her arms and legs. Then, she will more deliberately extend and retract her limbs. Your baby will also begin to gain control of her head and neck. Your baby may be able to lift her head at about a 45-degree angle.

Your baby may even be able to hold a small object like a rattle for a brief while. This duration will increase in length as time goes on. By the end of the third month, your baby may be rolling one or both ways. So never leave your baby on the couch or any other raised surface. Even if you haven't noticed this new skill, take the precaution around this age to be on the safe side.

Mental Development

Your baby still loves to look at you, and now you are rewarded with intentional coos and giggles. You may notice that your baby's babbling is also taking on a more verbal quality. Listen for some long vowel sounds coming from your baby.

Your baby's personality will also begin to show in the second and third months of life. Your baby will be able to convey basic emotions with facial expression. She will also begin learning cause and effect and making use of that knowledge. For instance, she will learn that if she cries, you will respond. This may become tiring for you, but your baby gets her sense of security from your quick and consistent response.

Crying is not always a bad thing. In fact, crying is an important form of communication. By this point, you will probably have learned that your baby has different cries for different situations: she may cry out when she's hungry, whine and whimper when she's sleepy, and shout to get your attention.