Your Baby, Month-by-Month: Month 4

Your little angel is becoming more of a baby and less of a newborn with each passing day!  By now, you’re probably enjoying the sweet music of coos and giggles minute after minute.  The fussiness that can sometimes plague the first three months of a baby’s life is gone and you feel as if your baby is happy and content!

By now, your baby is probably sleeping at predictable times and might even let you get a full night’s sleep!  WAHOO!

Big Brother at 4 months

Here’s what you can expect by the end of the fourth month:

• Sleeping:  Your baby is probably on a pretty predictable schedule by now…taking around 3 naps per day at around 1.5 hours each (probably less for the evening nap) and sleeping around 8 hours at night.  If your baby isn’t on this schedule…don’t worry!  Every baby is different!  Talk to your pediatrician if you are concerned (or go here for some infant sleeping tips).
• Weight:  Your baby should have doubled his birth weight at this point in time.
• Hand-eye coordination:  Your baby’s hand-eye coordination is getting better each day!  By now, she might be putting things in her mouth…a developmental plus, but a MAJOR downer in terms of practicality.  Now you must be vigilant about making sure there are no small objects within her reach that she could choke on.   
• Rolly-Polly:  Your little one will also probably be able to roll one way (most likely from tummy to back).  Before you know it, he’ll be rolling across the room!
• Head stability:  Your baby should be able to hold her head up easily by this point in time.  She’ll also probably be able to lift her head off the ground at a 90 degree angle while lying on her tummy (if her neck has been strengthened by daily “tummy time” sessions). 
• Language:  As mentioned above, your baby is most likely cooing by now.  He’ll enjoy making noises with his mouth and razzing.  He’s also probably learned to fuss to get your attention.  Last, but certainly not least, your little one might even start to laugh.  There’s nothing better than a baby’s giggle!

Little Brother at 4 months

Activities:

• Tummy Time:  I know you’re probably tired of me going on and on about the importance of tummy time, but it pays off!  Continue with at least 30 minutes of tummy time each day until your child begins to sit up on his own.
• Read, read, read!  It might sometimes feel monotonous or perhaps like your baby couldn’t care less, but continue to read to her anyway.  She’ll probably like books with texture at this point in time.  Not only will she enjoy hearing your voice, she’ll begin to recognize pictures and start to correlate pictures of objects with the verbal words.

• Go for a walk:  Weather permitting, try taking your little one on a walk each day.  He’s hearty enough by now that he can even go out on cooler days and he’ll enjoy getting to see the world around him!  Plus, it’s a great time to talk to him and tell him all of the things he sees.

• Enjoy an exersaucer or activity center.  Once your baby can hold her head up and sit with support, she might be ready to try an exersaucer (or jumperoo).  These are great for developing the muscles in the legs…but make sure your baby is ready first! 

• Rattles and Shakers:  Continue letting your little one enjoy the cause-and-effect of shaking a toy and hearing a sound!
• Peek-A-Boo:  Playing “peek-a-boo” helps your baby learn about object permanence…an important development milestone for babies.  Find out why “peek-a-boo” is so important here.  Don’t be surprised, however, if your baby doesn’t seem interested at first.  Just keep trying!

• Hasn’t doubled his birth weight
• Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
• Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
• One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
• Does not respond to sounds around him
• Head still flops back when body is pulled up to a sitting position
• Does not turn her head to locate sounds
• Seems inconsolable at night

• Do you have any questions? Leave a comment!
• Likewise, veteran parents…feel free to chime in with anything I forgot to cover or with any tips you may have.

References:

Shelvov, S.P., Hannemann, R.E., & Trubo, R. (2004). The American Academy of Pediatrics: Complete and Authoritative Guide for Caring for Your Baby and Young Child. Bantam Books.

Reisser, P.C. (2007). Baby & Child Care: From Pre-Birth through the Teen Years (Focus on the Family Complete Guides). Tyndale House Publishers: Carol Stream, IL.

**The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advicediagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.