4 Months Old Baby’s Milestones
A baby’s growth and development should be speeding up at 4 months. He/she is likely to improve in senses, show their first teeth and even show signs of speech development. Furry, crinkly or shiny items and textures should be fascinating for them at this age. Most likely, the baby will put in their mouth anything they touch. At 4 months old, your baby should be able to babble in speech especially when happy. In addition, he/she can feed on more food in a sitting a few times in a day. Other milestones that the baby should be having at this age include:
- Sitting up with support
- Grabbing and reaching out to interesting objects
- Independently holding up their head while lying on their tummy
- Putting their hands in the mouth
- Rolling over from their tummy
- Copying facial expressions, movements and sounds
How You Can Help a 4 Months Old Baby to Develop
There are various ways that a baby can be assisted to develop. Such are:-
- Stimulation – By the use of different objects, such as books and fur to help stimulate a baby’s sense of touch.
- As the baby is more playful at this age, you can help by encouraging them to explore various objects by holding and suckling on them.
- Music – Social and intellectual development can be encouraged by introducing musical sounds through toys, a drum and other musical instruments.
- Smile back – Spontaneously and excitingly smile at your child and copy their sounds when they talk
- Floor/tummy time – This should be a routine for the baby as this keeps the babies occupied and gives them the strength to hold their heads up.
Signs to Look Out For
Always bear in mind that each baby grows and develops at their own pace. However, pay attention to some red flags in terms of delay as they can lag a baby’s physical, mental and emotional growth. Below are some of the areas that you should pay attention to:
- Delayed speech
- Difficulties in moving the eyes in all directions
- Does not smile
- Does not hold their head firmly
- Does not make sounds
- Does not pay attention to moving things
- Does not reach out for things of interest
- Does not respond to loud noise
Early treatment will help to make progress in case of any delaying experiences. Talk to your child’s health practitioner in case you notice any of the signs. You may consider to also talk to someone in your community who could possibly be familiar with children’s growth and development services.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another
# Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: bounty, pampers, webmd, kidshealth
