#asktheexperts 4th month milestone

Question

Accepted Answer

At four months old, babies typically reach several important developmental milestones. Here are some key milestones to look for:

Physical Development

Head Control: Babies can hold their head up at a 90-degree angle when lying on their stomach and may start to push up onto their elbows.

Rolling Over: Many babies begin to roll over from tummy to back or vice versa around this age.

Grasping Objects: They can reach for and grasp toys, bringing them to their mouth for exploration.

Social and Emotional Development

Smiling and Laughing: Babies respond more socially, showing a variety of smiles and laughter. They may also recognize familiar faces and respond with excitement.

Expressing Emotions: They may express emotions through cooing, squealing, or making other vocal sounds.

Cognitive Development

Noticing and Tracking Objects: Babies begin to follow moving objects with their eyes and show interest in their surroundings.

Exploring with Hands and Mouth: They explore toys and objects by mouthing them and may begin to show preferences for certain toys.

Communication

Cooing and Babbling: They start to make cooing sounds, experimenting with different pitches and tones. You might hear more varied sounds, including gurgling and babbling.

Responding to Voices: Babies may turn their head towards sounds and voices, indicating they are beginning to recognize familiar people.

Sensory Development

Visual Focus: Babies can see across the room, and their color vision is developing. They may show a preference for bright colors and patterns.

Touch and Texture: They explore objects with their hands and mouths, becoming more aware of different textures.

Important Considerations

Every baby develops at their own pace, so milestones can vary from one child to another. If you have concerns about your baby's development, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician.

Encouraging your baby’s development can involve playing with them, providing safe toys, and interacting through talking and singing.