Table of Contents
Physical Development
At four months old, your baby boy is becoming more active. He can roll over from his tummy to his back, and vice versa. He’s also able to hold his head up for extended periods of time, and even prop himself up on his elbows while lying on his tummy. Your little one’s hand-eye coordination is improving, and he is beginning to grab and play with toys.
You’ll also notice that your baby boy’s neck muscles are getting stronger, which is helping him to sit up with support. He may even be able to stand for a few seconds while holding onto someone’s hands.
Cognitive Development
At four months old, your baby boy is taking in more of the world around him. He’s starting to recognize familiar faces and voices, and may even smile or coo when he sees or hears someone he knows. He’s also showing more interest in objects and people, and is beginning to understand that objects still exist even when he can’t see them.
You may notice that your baby boy is becoming more vocal, and is starting to make different sounds (like “ahh” and “ooh”) to communicate with you. He’s also starting to imitate sounds he hears, so don’t be surprised if he tries to “talk” back to you!
Social Development
At four months old, your baby boy is starting to form bonds with the people around him. He’s becoming more social, and may even start to show signs of separation anxiety when you leave the room. He’s also starting to understand that he can make things happen (like getting you to pick him up or giving him a toy) by using his newly-developing communication skills.
You may also notice that your little one is beginning to develop a sense of humor. He may start to giggle at silly faces or funny noises, and may even try to make you laugh!
Feeding
At four months old, your baby boy is still primarily drinking breast milk or formula. However, you may start to introduce solid foods around this time. Talk to your pediatrician about when and how to introduce solids, and make sure to start with single-ingredient foods (like rice cereal or pureed sweet potatoes) to evaluate for food allergic reactions.
Your baby boy will also start to drink more milk or formula at each feeding, and may even start to sleep for longer stretches at night.
Sleeping
At four months old, your baby boy is starting to develop more of a regular sleep pattern. He may be sleeping for longer stretches at night (up to six hours at a time) and taking more regular naps during the day. However, he may still wake up frequently during the night, so be prepared for some sleepless nights.
Make sure your little one is sleeping in a safe environment (on his back, in a crib with no loose blankets or toys) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my baby boy start to sit up on his own?
Most babies start to sit up on their own between six and nine months old. However, your baby boy may start to sit up with support (like propping himself up on pillows) around four to five months old.
When should I start introducing solid foods?
Your pediatrician will give you guidance on when and how to introduce solid foods. In general, most babies are ready to start trying solid foods between four and six months old. Make sure to start with single-ingredient foods (like rice cereal or pureed sweet potatoes) and watch for signs of food allergic reactions.
How much should my four-month-old baby boy be eating?
Most four-month-old babies will be drinking between 24 and 32 ounces of breast milk or formula per day. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby boy’s feeding habits.
Why does my baby boy wake up so often during the night?
It’s common for babies to wake up frequently during the night, even at four months old. Some possible reasons for frequent waking include hunger, teething, or a dirty diaper. Make sure your baby boy is sleeping in a safe environment and try to establish a calming bedtime routine to help him sleep more soundly.
When should I be concerned about my baby boy’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby boy’s development (like if he’s not meeting milestones or seems to be regressing), talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention is important if there are any developmental delays or issues.