Source: bing.comCongratulations on making it through the first three months of your baby’s life! Now, as your little one turns four months old, you may start to notice some exciting new developments. From increased social and cognitive skills to physical milestones like rolling over, your baby is growing and changing every day. As a parent, it’s important to know what to expect during this stage of your baby’s development so you can help support their progress.
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Social and Emotional Development
At four months old, your baby is becoming more sociable and interactive. They may start to smile and laugh in response to your facial expressions and sounds, and they may even imitate some of your movements and gestures. Your baby may also show interest in other people and objects, and they may be more willing to explore their environment. To encourage your baby’s social and emotional development, try smiling, talking, and playing with them regularly. You can also introduce your baby to new people and experiences in a safe and comfortable way.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive skills are also progressing rapidly at this stage. They may start to recognize the faces of familiar people, and they may be able to distinguish between different sounds and tones of voice. Your baby may also show curiosity and problem-solving skills, such as reaching for and grasping objects, and attempting to put them in their mouths. To support your baby’s cognitive development, provide them with plenty of sensory experiences, such as different textures, colors, and shapes. You can also encourage your baby to explore and experiment with toys and objects that are safe for their age and development.
Physical Development
One of the most exciting milestones of four-month-old babies is rolling over. Your baby may start to roll from their back to their tummy or vice versa, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them during tummy time and make sure they are safe and supported. Your baby’s motor skills are also improving, so they may start to reach for and grasp objects with more precision. You can support your baby’s physical development by providing plenty of opportunities for tummy time, and by offering toys and objects that encourage reaching, grasping, and exploring.
Feeding and Sleep
At four months old, your baby may still be feeding every 2-3 hours, but they may start to show more interest in solids and purees. It’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician about when and how to introduce solid foods, and to start small with simple and mild flavors. Your baby’s sleep patterns may also start to change at this stage, with longer stretches of sleep at night and shorter naps during the day. To help your baby establish healthy sleep habits, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine, and make sure your baby is comfortable and safe in their crib or bassinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should my baby start sitting up?
A: Most babies start sitting up with support around 4-6 months old, and can sit up on their own around 6-8 months old.
Q: How much should my baby weigh at four months old?
A: The average weight for a four-month-old baby is between 12-15 pounds for boys and 11-14 pounds for girls.
Q: When should my baby start babbling?
A: Most babies start babbling between 6-8 months old, but some may start as early as 4 months or as late as 10 months.
Q: How often should I give my baby tummy time?
A: It’s recommended to give your baby at least 30-60 minutes of tummy time per day, in short intervals throughout the day.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk or formula?
A: A good way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk or formula is by monitoring their weight gain, wet diapers, and bowel movements. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding.
As your baby turns four months old, you can expect to see exciting new developments in their social, cognitive, and physical skills. By providing a safe and supportive environment, and engaging with your baby in a positive and playful way, you can help your little one thrive and grow. Remember to consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s development.