4 Month Baby Milestones: Big Changes to Your Growing Baby

The fourth month involves some major physical and mental milestones. You might notice your little one becoming more social with other people. You might hear them making many more sounds and see them being more generous with their smiles!

Your baby must be looking bigger, too. By four months, your baby’s weight should be about double their birth weight.

Are you excited about the milestones your baby will achieve this month?

What Can Most Babies Do at Four Months?

At four months, most babies will have a significant boost in their physical, cognitive, communication, and social skills. Here are the things you should expect:

Physical/Movement Milestones

• Holds head steady unsupported
• Grasps toy when you put it in their hand
• Swings at toys with their arms
• Pushes up unto forearms or elbows when on their belly
• Brings their hands to their mouth

Cognitive Milestones

• Opens their mouth wide when they are hungry and see a bottle or breast
• Examines hands with interest

Communication/Language Milestones

• Starts to coo or say “oooh” or “aaah” at you
• Turns their head toward your voice
• Learns to make different sounds of crying for different needs

Emotional/Social Milestones

• Smiles on their own
• Tries to mimic your facial expressions
• Giggles, gurgles, or chuckles when you try to make them laugh

Physical and Cognitive Development at Four Months

Your baby continues to gain more neck strength and control. Their vision also continues to develop, which means they can see a bit farther and recognize different colors.

You might notice your little one holding their head steady when you hold them up, though they might still need support when sitting up. You might also see them becoming more attracted to colorful toys.

Hands are now excellent tools for your baby! They are learning to grasp and move things. You might see your baby enjoy shaking rattles, or try bringing anything they could reach into their mouth—like their toes!

You will also notice that your baby will have a more consistent sleep schedule. They can now fall asleep at roughly the same time and for longer stretches.

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Communication and Social Development at Four Months

Your baby starts to learn that if they do something, you will respond. For example, they will learn that you will smile back when they smile at you. This is known as the “serve and return” concept.

This is also how your baby will learn to fine-tune their cries. Soon, you will differentiate the cry that means your baby is hungry from a cry that means your baby is lonely and wants to be held!

Your baby’s newly unlocked skill of grasping toys and getting your attention might also lead to them dropping or throwing toys to see you pick them up. This is another way of reinforcing the “serve and return” concept and is your baby’s way of playing with you.

You will also notice how your little bean now enjoys being with other people. Your baby will coo, babble, and giggle at you to get your attention. They now also love to play with others! Try making faces at your baby and see them mimic you.

What Can I Do to Encourage These Skills?

Your baby is trying to “talk” with you, so it is best to “talk” back! Of course, talking using words is still great, but try to add interesting new sounds.

Colorful toys that make sounds are also very interesting for your 4-month-old. Try putting rattles and tambourines near your baby and see how they like them!

However, be careful not to leave small objects within your baby’s reach. Remember that they like to put anything they can grasp into their mouth. Always remove choking hazards and keep your little one’s toys clean and sanitized.

READ ALSO: Playtime! Here Are The Best Toys For Your Kids' Brain Development From 0-5

Remember that these developmental milestones are not hard deadlines for your child.

“Parents need to remember that babies and children will eventually reach their milestones at some point at their own pace, but given the proper environment, stimulus, and opportunities, they will reach these milestones in a more timely manner,” says pediatrician Dr. Faith Alcazaren.

Enjoy this fun and exciting month while it lasts!

Can babies start eating solids at 4 months old? Read here.