Your Baby at 4 Months

Gross Motor and Large Muscle Development
On his back, your baby may now be able to roll to either side and is actively reaching for toys. He can hold his head in the middle and freely turn his head to look at or follow toys. He lifts his legs off the surface of the floor when kicking and does lots of kicking.  On his stomach, he props on his forearms and has good strong head lifting, holding and control. He can turn his head easily from side to side to follow an object.  He may begin to roll from his tummy to his back and works hard at rolling.  He likes playing on his tummy and may rock like an airplane with his arms and legs up off the floor. When he is supported in sitting, he can hold his head in midline for very long periods of time with good head control. His back is getting straighter in the sitting position. He cannot yet use his arms to reach and play in sitting.  When he is held in standing, he takes equal weight on both legs and will often bounce while standing. You still must provide all support for balance.

Fine Motor and Small Muscle Development
He actively brings his hands to the middle of his body and up to his mouth.  He uses his hands to reach and grasp and is gaining more variety in the way he uses his hands. At first he will often "miss" when reaching because he will under-reach or over-reach. Cognitive, Social and Visual Development

He is beginning to coo during play times. He splashes and kicks during bath time.  He squeals and coos when you talk to him and may develop a belly laugh.  He eagerly brings toys to his mouth. He may smile or vocalize at his mirror image.  He anticipates food on sight or upon hearing a bottle or the food being prepared. He sleeps ten to twelve hours at night. He enjoys actively playing with an adult (such as bouncing).  He vocalizes feelings of pleasure, displeasure and eagerness with sounds other than crying (screeches, hums, yelps).

Activities for You and Your Baby

• During playtime, begin to introduce simple games like "pat-a-cake" with his feet during diaper changes or "this little piggy" during bath time. Begin simple turn-taking games with him. If he yawns, you yawn back. If he coos or makes a sound, talk back to him making the same sound. He may begin to repeat your sounds and movements or smile in delight at this new game.

• Give him a mirror to look at during play times. You can buy one at a toy store, or look for shatter-proof mirrors (automotive sun visor mirrors) in an auto or grocery store. You can even shatter-proof a make-up mirror at home by covering it with clear contact paper. Tap on the mirror to help attract his attention; smile with him or make silly faces.

• Continue to provide a variety of sized/shaped rattles for him to reach for, manipulate and chew on.