Table of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations! At four months, your baby is growing and developing at an impressive rate. This is an exciting time as your baby becomes increasingly interactive, responsive, and expressive. Every baby is different, but here’s what you can expect from your four-month-old.
Physical Development
Your baby’s physical development is more coordinated and controlled than before. They will be able to hold their head up, roll over, and reach for objects with more control. Four-month-olds generally have good muscle tone and are starting to develop more strength. They may be able to sit up with support and may even be able to bear some weight on their legs.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s senses have become more refined in the last month. They will be able to see and track objects with their eyes, and they may even be able to recognize familiar faces. Their hearing and sense of touch have also improved, and they are becoming more responsive to sounds and textures.
Social Development
Your baby is becoming increasingly social and interactive. They will be more engaged with people, especially their primary caregiver. They may smile and laugh more often, and they may even start to imitate your facial expressions and movements. Four-month-olds may also start to develop a fear of strangers, so it is important to introduce them to new people in a calm and supportive way.
Language Development
Your baby is starting to develop their language skills, although they won’t be saying any words just yet. They will be making more sounds and babbling, and they may even start to imitate the sounds they hear around them. Four-month-olds are also starting to understand more words and may respond to simple commands or requests.
Feeding and Sleep
At four months, your baby may be starting to show more interest in solid foods, although breast milk or formula should still be their primary source of nutrition. They may also start to sleep for longer stretches at night, although it is still normal for them to wake up for feeding or comfort.
Conclusion
Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby isn’t meeting every milestone at exactly four months. However, if you have any concerns about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. Enjoy this exciting time with your growing baby!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should my four-month-old be able to do?
A: At four months, your baby should be able to hold their head up, roll over, and reach for objects with more control. They may be able to sit up with support and may even be able to bear some weight on their legs.
Q: How can I stimulate my four-month-old’s development?
A: You can stimulate your baby’s development by talking to them, playing with them, and providing them with age-appropriate toys and activities. Tummy time is also important for building strength and coordination.
Q: When should my four-month-old start solid foods?
A: While some babies may start showing an interest in solid foods at four months, breast milk or formula should still be their primary source of nutrition until at least six months. Talk to your pediatrician before introducing solid foods.
Q: How much should my four-month-old be sleeping?
A: Every baby is different, but at four months, your baby may be starting to sleep for longer stretches at night. However, they may still wake up for feeding or comfort. Aim for a total of 12-16 hours of sleep per day.
Q: What should I do if I have concerns about my baby’s development?
A: If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and support to ensure that your baby is growing and developing as they should be.