Month 4
Life is fun and games for your 4-month-old, whether it’s swatting at toys on the play mat or shaking a rattle. They might also start rolling and pushing up with their feet. Here’s what else you can expect from your baby this month.
Your 4 month old baby should now be very interested in what’s happening in the world around them. They’re also becoming more active, and many babies will be rolling over at this stage! If your baby isn’t quite there yet, however, remember that all babies develop at their own pace, which might be earlier or later than average. Your doctor can advise if you have any concerns.
Let’s look at what changes you might see in your baby during month four.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
From month four, it’s normal for your baby’s growth to slow slightly, gaining on average around 450g – 560g in weight and 2cm in length each month for the next few months.
If your baby is in their 4th month baby food might be something you’re starting to consider. WHO guidelines recommend waiting until the six months mark before weaning, however, if you do feel that your baby is ready you should discuss this with your doctor. If they’re in agreement then a 4 months baby food chart is likely to suggest an iron-fortified baby cereal thinly mixed with formula or breast milk.
By now, your baby should hopefully be getting a full night’s sleep, with probably two naps during the day. If you haven’t already, then it’s a good time to start getting baby into a bedtime routine.
You’ll notice that your baby is much stronger now than two months ago, and should be able to hold his head up steadily without wobbling. Most babies will be doing ‘mini push-ups’ when on their tummy and are able to bear weight on their legs (with support).
Baby’s first tooth is another one of the possible baby milestones 4 months in. Most babies will get their first tooth between four and seven months old, so don’t worry if you’re not seeing any signs yet. The first to appear is usually one of the bottom middle teeth, although your baby won’t have a full set until somewhere around their third birthday, when the second molars come in.
MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
Many babies will be able to roll over by four months old, and they’re likely to find sitting more interesting than lying down. A comfortable baby chair or support cushion might be a good investment at this point.
They’ll also be developing their fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination, and may reach out to grab an object that captures their interest. Rattles, teething rings and anything that baby can hold easily will prove popular with an inquisitive four month old.
MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Now that your baby has cooing and gurgling well-practised, they might start imitating more complicated speech sounds such as ‘dada or baba’.
Your baby’s recognition memory is also improving and they should now be able to recall something that they saw or heard up to two weeks previously, if they’re in the same place. Books with clear, bright pictures and simple sing-song rhymes are likely to be the most stimulating and enjoyable.
SENSORY DEVELOPMENT
By four months old your baby’s vision should have sharpened to about 20 / 40, enabling them to pick out subtler color contrasts. Their range of vision will also have improved and they should be able to see across a room and follow objects smoothly with their eyes.
Baby will now be using all the senses to learn about the world – including continuing to explore with his mouth and tongue!
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The four month point is when baby really starts to realise that those around him will respond to his actions. This is why your baby might drop an item repeatedly, just to watch you pick it up – this is a fun new game to them!
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As well as happiness and excitement, your baby might also be showing a wider range of emotions through their facial expressions, from surprise to anger. They’re likely to show a preference for particular people, and might display shyness or even fear around others. Giving your baby lots of love and attention will help them to feel safe, secure and confident to discover the world around them.