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At four months old, your baby is becoming more and more interested in the world around them. They are developing new skills and abilities that will help them interact with their environment and the people in it. Here are some of the key milestones and changes you can expect during this important stage of your baby’s growth and development.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
By four months old, your baby’s physical development has come a long way. They are now able to:
- Hold their head steady when sitting supported
- Roll from their tummy to their back
- Push up on their arms when on their tummy
- Grasp and hold objects with their hands
Your baby may also be starting to show an interest in exploring their surroundings by reaching for toys and other objects within their reach.
Social and Emotional Development
At four months old, your baby is starting to develop their social and emotional skills. They may:
- Smile and laugh in response to your attention and play
- Enjoy looking at and interacting with people and faces
- Respond to familiar voices and sounds
- Start to show preferences for certain toys or activities
As their communication skills develop, your baby may also start to make sounds like “cooing” and “babbling” in response to your voice and attention.
Cognitive Development
At four months old, your baby is becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings and learning through observation and exploration. They may:
- Follow moving objects with their eyes
- Recognize familiar faces and objects
- Explore objects by mouthing and touching them
- Begin to understand simple cause-and-effect relationships (e.g. shaking a rattle makes noise)
Your baby’s cognitive development is closely linked to their physical and social development, as they learn about the world through their interactions with it.
Sleep and Feeding
At four months old, your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns may start to become more regular and predictable. They may:
- Sleep for longer periods at night (up to six hours or more)
- Show more interest in solids and other foods (in addition to breast milk or formula)
- Be able to hold their head steady while breastfeeding or taking a bottle
Tips for Supporting Your Baby’s Development
There are many things you can do to support your baby’s growth and development at this stage:
- Provide plenty of opportunities for tummy time and supervised exploration
- Engage your baby in play and interaction, using toys and games that encourage exploration and sensory stimulation
- Respond to your baby’s cues and signals, such as when they are hungry or tired
- Read to your baby and talk to them often, using simple words and phrases
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should my baby start sitting up?
A: Most babies start sitting up without support between 4 and 7 months old, but every baby develops at their own pace. Encourage your baby’s physical development by providing plenty of opportunities for supervised play and exploration.
Q: Is it normal for my baby to be fussy at this age?
A: Yes, it’s normal for babies to be fussy and irritable at times, especially when they are tired or hungry. Respond to your baby’s needs with patience and compassion, and seek advice from your pediatrician if you have concerns about their behavior or health.
Q: How often should I be feeding my baby at four months old?
A: Most babies at this age are still getting most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula, but may also be starting to show an interest in solid foods. Follow your baby’s cues for feeding and consult with your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is developing normally?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are certain milestones that are important to watch for. Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s growth or development, or if you notice any unusual behaviors or symptoms.
Q: What can I do to bond with my baby?
A: Bonding with your baby is an important part of their development and your relationship with them. You can bond with your baby by spending time together, talking to them, playing with them, and responding to their needs and cues with love and compassion.