4 Months

What Most Babies Do by This Age

Social

Smiles on his own to get your attention
Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make her laugh
Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

Problem Solving

If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottle
Looks at his hands with interest

Language and Communication

Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
Makes sounds back when you talk to him
Turns head towards the sound of your voice

Movement

Holds head steady without support when you are holding her
Holds a toy when you put it in his hand
Uses her arm to swing at toys
Brings hands to mouth
Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy

What Families Can Do

Tips and Activities: What You Can Do for Your 4 month old

As your baby’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby’s doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby’s development.

Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes sounds. This teaches him to take turns “talking” back and forth in conversation.
Provide safe opportunities for your baby to reach for toys, kick at toys and explore what is around her. For example, put her on a blanket with safe toys.
Allow your baby to put safe things in his mouth to explore them. This is how babies learn. For example, let him see, hear, and touch things that are not sharp, hot, or small enough to choke on.