Your Baby’s Progress - Month 4
What’s Going on This Month?
Your Baby
- Most babies have doubled their birth weight. If your baby weighed seven pounds at birth, he may weigh 14 pounds now.
- Your baby may do the following: roll from side to side, lift his head and chest when placed on his stomach, sit with support for a short time, put objects in his mouth, put his hands together, screech and laugh.
- Your baby’s vision is good enough to see small details.
- Begins to try to turn head and eyes toward sounds and familiar voices.
- He knows you very well now and will lift his arms to come to you.
- He may begin to fret when strangers approach.
Caring for Your Baby
- Your baby should get these shots: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), Polio, Hib disease (Haemophilus influenza type b) and Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV).
- If you see changes in your baby’s bowels, talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse.
- During bath time, let your baby splash in the water while you hold him.
- Avoid sharing things that have been in your mouth with the baby.
Keeping Your Baby Safe
- Wash your baby’s toys often to keep them free of germs.
- Keep toys with small parts or sharp objects away from your baby.
Nutrition
- At about 4 months, ask your baby’s doctor or nurse about the best time to start solid (strained or mashed) food and juice for your baby, which foods to give your baby first and which foods to avoid. Start your baby on one new food at a time around 6 months.
Growth and Development Activities
- Show your baby his face in a mirror.
- Gently massage and stroke your baby’s arms, legs and back.
- Encourage your baby to turn his head toward sounds.
- Play “peek-a-boo” with your baby.
- Read and talk to your baby.
- Let your baby try to hold objects in both hands.
- Let your baby watch a mobile.
- Wave bye-bye when you leave the room for a moment or two. As you wave, tell your baby where you are going. “I am going into your bedroom to get your blanket. I’ll be right back. Bye-Bye.”
This page last updated on 4/14/08.