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Table of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations on becoming a new parent! As your baby grows and develops, you might find yourself wondering what to expect at each milestone. At four months old, your baby is reaching some exciting new milestones in their development. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect at this stage of your baby’s growth.
Physical Development
At four months old, your baby is gaining strength and mobility. They’ll likely be able to hold their head up with more control and turn it from side to side. Your baby may also be able to roll from their back to their tummy or vice versa. They might even be able to sit up with support. You will also notice your baby is starting to use their hands to grasp objects and bring them to their mouth.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development is also rapidly progressing at this age. They are becoming more aware of their surroundings and may show a greater interest in toys and objects. They might even start to recognize familiar faces and voices. At four months, your baby is also beginning to understand cause and effect. They may start to realize that their actions can have consequences.
Communication and Social Development
Your baby is starting to show more social skills at four months old. They might start to coo and babble, and they may even respond to your voice with a smile or a laugh. Your baby is also starting to develop a sense of attachment to you and other caregivers. They might become upset when you leave the room or be comforted by your touch.
Feeding
At four months old, your baby is likely still breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. However, they may be ready to start solid foods soon. You can introduce your baby to pureed fruits and vegetables at this age, but make sure to consult with your pediatrician first.
Sleeping
By four months old, your baby is starting to establish more of a sleep routine. They may sleep for longer stretches at night and may take more regular naps during the day. You can help your baby establish good sleep habits by keeping their sleep environment quiet and dark and by establishing a soothing bedtime routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby isn’t meeting these milestones?
It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to their pediatrician. They can help you determine if there’s an issue or if your baby is just taking a little longer to reach certain milestones.
When should I start tummy time?
Tummy time is important for your baby’s physical development and can help prevent flat spots on their head. You can start tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
What kind of toys should I be giving my baby?
At four months old, your baby is starting to become more interested in toys. Look for toys that are easy to grasp and that make noise or have bright colors to capture your baby’s attention. You can also try toys that encourage your baby to reach and grasp.
When should I start sleep training?
Sleep training is a personal choice and varies from family to family. Some parents choose to start sleep training at four months old, while others wait until their baby is a little older. Talk to your pediatrician and decide what’s best for your family.
What if my baby is still waking up often at night?
It’s normal for babies to wake up during the night, especially if they are still breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. However, if your baby is waking up frequently and you’re concerned, talk to their pediatrician. They can help you determine if there’s an underlying issue or if it’s just a phase.
Conclusion
Watching your baby grow and develop is an exciting journey. At four months old, your baby is reaching some exciting new milestones in their physical, cognitive, and social development. Remember to enjoy this special time with your little one and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Keywords: What 4 Months Baby Development, four months old, physical development, cognitive development, communication and social development, feeding, sleeping, frequently asked questions, tummy time, sleep training, toys, waking up at night.