Your baby, 4 months 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 and older

At this point, your baby can recognize familiar faces. He can distinguish his mom from his dad and knows who they are. Many babies have favorite toys and you may have found a book or song that your baby seems to like the best. By now, he probably likes to play with toys on a mat or blanket on the foor. Exersaucers are good choices for baby to play in. Steer clear of baby walkers. They are dangerous and should not be used.

It is important to respond quickly and calmly to your crying baby. When you respond quickly, your baby will develop a sense of security and develop trust in you. You will have to do less to soothe a distressed baby if you respond quickly. Many people are under the impression that they will spoil their baby if they respond to every whimper and whine. This is not true. You can spoil a child, but not a baby. A baby of this age can not be disciplined and is not able to understand your commands. Continue to be loving and gentle to foster a good relationship.

Your baby can most likely roll from side to side and possibly from her tummy to her back. Be careful not to leave her unattended-she may roll off and get seriously injured. Babies should be placed on their tummies to develop strength and muscles needed for sitting, crawling and walking. Encourage your baby to roll over and help her sit up with support. It is much more interesting to sit up and look at things vs. laying down and staring at the ceiling. At this age, your baby is probably grasping objects and putting them straight into his mouth. Make sure all of his toys are safe and clean.

Your baby may begin to get upset if you take a toy away or stop playing with her. She coos, babbles, smiles and laughs when you interact with her. She may be able to click her tongue and cough by now. Playing with your baby is important for development. Continue to read, sing, play and play games with your little learner. Talk to your baby in regular words-do not use baby talk because it does not sound clear to your baby and may confuse him. Praise your baby for jobs well done! Introduce your baby to new sights, smells, sounds and textures often. This is how he will learn the most about this new exciting world around him!

Around four months of age, your doctor may give the go ahead on solid foods. You will know if your baby is ready. He should sit well with support and be able to hold his head steady. If she is still pushing the food out of her mouth with her tongue, she may not be quite ready to start solids. Start with cereal and then try fruits and vegetables. When using a highchair, make sure that it is safe. Your high chair should not have any broken pieces and should be sturdy. Always use the seat belt and lock the tray on snuggly. Make sure you watch your baby closely while he is in the highchair. Do not feed your baby directly from the jar, unless you are certain he will eat all of it. Just because your baby is consuming solids does not mean she doesn't still need formula or breatmilk-she does!!

Developmental Milestones 4 Months Old

Physical

• Your baby's stomach has grown larger, so he does not need to feed as often
• Rolls over
• When laid on stomach, your baby will lift his stomach and shoulders high offf the ground
• Your baby's tongue-thrust reflex is fading, and your baby may be ready to start solid foods now
• Can reach out and grab objects-he still may miss his mark on the first try
• You will notice alot of drool-some babies start teething around this time

Intellectual

• Feedings can get difficult as your baby likes to see what is going on at mealtime
• Your baby is easily distractable
• Once the baby grasps ahold of an object, he will put it straight to his mouth
• Your baby likes a vairety of toys and objects-give her different toys with different responses
• Babies begin to understand cause and effect
• Begins to understand all basic sounds of language
• Begins to develop the ability to make vocal sounds-`ma-ma` `da-da`-although he does not connect sound to parent
• Color differences are clearer and your baby probably prefers bright primary colors
• Can laugh out loud and squeal in delight

Emotional

• Likes to be interacted with-play with your baby as often as possible
• Some babies like to play alone at this time
• May participate in back and forth imitation games-imitate your child's faces and sounds
• Your baby will respond to your voice and gestures by kicking legs or waving arms
• Baby will show you when she is no longer interested

Age Appropriate Toys

• Bright colored books
• Posters
• Activity gyms and play mats
• Musical toys
• Lighted toys
• Mirrors
• Teething rings
• Plastic toys to chew on
• Toys to grasp
• Brightly colored soft blocks
• Stuffed toys

Comments:

Comments 1-25 of about 13731 for month 4
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serenitysmommy - 1.1 hours ago
Does any one on here have thyroid problems? I know this isn't a baby question but I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a month ago and they did an ultrasound two weeks ago and found lumps... Which means I also have thyroid cancer... My mom has thyroid disease and so did my aunt but neither had cancer.. They both have graves disease with it and I havnt been tested for that yet but I'm just wondered if any one here has experienced it?

lorelaismom - 11 hours ago
beckie - I'll be thinking about you!! My best friend had an abnormal pap a couple of years ago after she had a baby and was told that it's pretty normal to be 'abnormal' for several months or more after birth. Like you, I know how scary cancer is (my husband is in remission too), but do your best to keep your spirits up, even if it's only for your little ones. No matter what's going on in life, they can always bring a smile to your face! Keep us posted. :)

lorelaismom - 11.1 hours ago
partyof5 - I'm a total believer in making your own baby food. The first time or so might be overwhelming, but once you do it you tend to get a little obsessed! lol It's super simple. Take an avocado for example. All you have to do is mash it up with a fork and you can get maybe 4 meals with that! At least in the beginning when they don't eat that much. What I did with my first was make my puree then pour it in ice cube trays to freeze them. Then once they're frozen, just pop them into a storage bag and keep them in the freezer until you need them. An ice cube is 1 ounce, so it's pretty easy to keep track of how much your LO is getting. The best website I've found is www.wholesomebabyfood.com. They have awesome recipes and let you know which foods are good for babies at different ages. Good luck!

mrs. myers - 12.2 hours ago
Discokitten - We've been doing 2 naps for a while, now. I didn't even know that there was a certain time frame for going from 3 to 2. Wesley just seems to like doing 2 better. He wakes up around 8 and takes his first nap from around 10-12, then his second nap from around 3-5, then it's bedtime usually around 8. I think you should let your baby guide you on how to do naps. Feel it out and see what makes them happiest. :)

ari08 - 13.6 hours ago
Rhys will be 5 months on friday. Tonight he was rolling around on he ground and I looked over and he was pushed up on all fours!! Only for a second then he fell down but he did it a few times. Only once all the way up and he made this like yell as if it was really really hard. Then he looked up at him me and smiled like he was so proud!! I'm hoping he holds off on crawling until at least 6 1/2 months, so i get time with him not moving to move into our new house. anyway i'm shocked he did that.

beckie - 19.8 hours ago
allynne,thanks,i'm trying to be possitive,i'm one of these people who worries about everything,i think it all started when my son was diagnosed with cancer.We always thought oh that won't happen to us,but it did! Hubby came home from work earlier and told me to pull myself together,i'm overreacting! Which i probably am,but don't want to get my hopes up! Thanks again!

ilovemyangels - 19.8 hours ago
My little one wont drink a bottle he just spits it out and i really dont know what to do!!! he started eating baby cereal but now wont have anything, i am very lucky if i get 2 bottles down him a day, his stomach rumbles but still wont eat an because he isnt eating he wont sleep cos he is hungry, i really am at my wits end, he goes to bed at 6pm cos i cant make him wait any longer but he gets up at midnight but again wont eat then its every hr after he wakes till 4am then he is up for the day!! have any of you ladies had this?? any advice is greatly appreciated, Oh i have taken him to the doctors there is nothing wrong with him an because he isnt losing wieght they are not concerned, But we are shattered x

allynne7 - 19.9 hours ago
Partyof5: OH goodness, it is soooo much easier and cheaper to make your own! And it will seem like no time at all, especially once LO is eating more so they can eat what we do. Just throw some veggies in the steamer or boiling water, cook till tender, and mash with blender of food processor, freeze till needed. It's as easy as pie (whatever that means!). We're trying Cicely on avacodo's next! I just need it to ripen more first...so excited! BTW, she HATES banana's. It is official! She tried a couple bites after her cereal and nope, wasn't having it at all. What a daddy's girl! Who will eat banana's and all that good stuff made with it with me!?! Anyways see you girls in the next month! I'll be poping in to check up and see about the LO's!

allynne7 - 20.1 hours ago
Beckie: Ari is completely right...you've heard the saying 'make yourself sick' well that's what you are literally going to do if you keep worrying. Just because the test was abnormal does not necessarily mean that it's bad news it just means your body isn't totally balanced and worrying about what it may or may not be will only be harder on your body. You know, the power of positive thought is very powerful...give it a try even if you don't really believe what your saying at first. What can it hurt?

partyof5now - 21.6 hours ago
Anyone else plan on making their own baby food for their LO's? I am going to give it a try, bought a recipe book for it online thru amazon. Never did when I had either of my girls years ago...just never thought of it & back then I had never heard of it being done unless baby had fod allergies or something. But now with my new one it is like a must or something...getting alot of pressure from family on both sides to do it cause they put so much crap in pre packaged foods these days...figure I will give it a shot, have it all planned out just waiting for receipe book :o) I have heard it tastes better too, more flavor like real food...I have tasted jar baby food when my girls were babies & it was pretty icky I do remember that but if it turns out to be more time consuming & difficult I dont think I will stick with it very long...I work all week so I need things as simple as possible...anyways just wondering if anyone else was going to give it a try too or if any of you have done it in the past & know what it is like. Well Happy St Patrick's Day Ladies!! I am posting a pic on my profile of my little lucky leprechaun for his 1st st patties day...lol

beckie - Wednesday, 17 Mar
ari08,thankyou,i just can't stop crying,got to go on Friday for my coloscopy so not a long wait.

kadeezangelz101 - Wednesday, 17 Mar
i added a profile pic today, yah me and a pic of my new little guy...if you want to take a look

ari08 - Wednesday, 17 Mar
beckie- I had the same thing a few years back, they were cancerous but they got them all out and I've been havinf regular tests since! I know it can be really scary, but just try not to worry until there is really something to worry about. I know that sounds hard, but i've spend alot of my life worrying about things I can't change or worrying to soon. It stressed me out!! I'll keep you in my thoughts and just remember its almost regular to get a irregular pap because so many women get them!

beckie - Wednesday, 17 Mar
Hi ladies,i'm so scared and worried,i had my rountine smear test last wk and got the results today.Well it turns out there are some moderate abnormalities so i've got to have an coloscopy to determine if i need treatment.It siad it is unlikely i have cancer but still the same i am absolutely bricking it.I'm so scared it turns out that it is cancer.I just don't know what to do,everyone keeps saying don't worry,but i can't help but worry,i'm a worry wort anyway,plus my eldest son is in remission from cancer so i know it can happen.I'm so scared.

discokitten - Wednesday, 17 Mar
Hi Ladies, I am thinking of transitioning from 3 naps to 2 because the 3rd nap is becoming almost impossible to get bubs down. Is it too early to go to 2 naps? How many naps a day do your little ones sleep?

lorelaismom - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Scarlett isn't rolling over, but she is sitting up unassisted for about 2 seconds! lol It's funny cause she looks like she has it but then just starts leaning forward until she's face planted in the ground! And she loves loves to stand! I barely have to hold her, she has some strong legs.

serenitysmommy - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Allynne7 don't forget the toilet lid!!! Trust me on this one I learned with my first that babies like toilet water as much as dogs! And I bet yoy can do all that at walmart for under 200! I just went out and got all that stuff this weekend and spent 300 but I also got diapers and wipes ( I didn't get the large gate though so that may be a little more pricy I'm not sure ) good luck though :) ps my LO isn't rolling over yet but he doesn't have 2 much time to be on the floor bc I have a 5 year old that doesn't watch where she walks and my brother who is 13 that flys through the house and jumps and all that and doesn't watch either but my opinion is that babies will do what they want at their own pace and that doesn't make them smarter or less smart :)

alison33 - Tuesday, 16 Mar
babyross~ put age 0 for the census, I filled mine out today :)

allynne7 - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Partyof5: Cicely can sit up unassisted briefly but she'll be 5 months old in 2 days and she's only been doing this for a week. She's rolling over a lot more now so that's bitter sweet. I'll soon have to baby-proof the house. I hope it wont cost more than $500 but I know my DH. He likes to spend money which means we may end up with a lot of useless crap! What are you guys doing? I figure I need 1 large (long) gate For a double staircase, 1 medium, and 1 portanble gate. Some zip ties for the cords, things to put in the plugs, those bracket things to attach heavy furniture to the wall, locks for the cupboards and doors, and get rid of small nicknack crap. Have I forgotten anything? And can that be done with 500?

allynne7 - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Ari: too bad he doesn't take a soother b/c that's what I was going to suggest. You know, because nursing Cicely is how I put her to bed most of the time I sometimes have to sneak the pacifier in without her noticing. And it has to be her favorite ones! When she's on the boob but asleep I'll pop the boob out slowly and if she goes back for it I give her the soother. But you have to have it ready so hold it in your mouth! Do you co-sleep? B/c if Cicely just wont fall asleep I put her in bed with me and nurse her while lying on our sides, just make sure his nose has room from your boob. She falls asleep within minutes like that. But remember that this is all normal behaviour for his age. He's starting to learn fear and anxiety, especially from being separated from you and daddy so being away from you for a whole night is probably a tough thing to handle. And I'm not sure but he may not yet understand that just because he can't see you doesn't mean you aren't there so he probably wants to be within eye-shot at all times. Just keep reassuring him your there while rocking him to calm him down and then do what feels right...I'm sure it will help b/c babies are the smartest people on this planet in my opinion so he must understand what your soft words of assurance mean! Good luck and let us know how it all goes, what works and doesn't b/c I'm sure at some point I'm going to go through this too!

ari08 - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Added some new pictures of Rhys! They are of his first time on a swing! He'll be five months on friday!!

partyof5now - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Hey ladies...any of your LO's sitting up unassisted at all? even briefly? I sit my DS up but he just isnt anywhere near being able to sit on his own yet...he loves to sit up tho just cant do it on his own...lol He rolls over plenty from back to front & front to back tho & doing good on getting his knees up under him with butt up in air like he is wanting to crawl...just wondering

m2b - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Took Olivia to the doctor for her 4month check up and she is doing wonderful!! She is 11.15 lbs and 24.5 inches my lil peanut!! she took her shots like a trooper and she is right on target with all of developments!! I am excited! :)

beckie - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Archie sleeps on his back,he can roll over but when he is asleep in his cot he is in a sleeping bag,therefore he's unable to roll.My sisters girls all slept on their bellies.

partyof5now - Tuesday, 16 Mar
Yeah I put my Kaden in his crib on his side to sleep but he rolls from side to ide & back while sleeping. He can roll over onto his tummy now but so far only does that when I put him on his blanket on the floor...hasnt done it yet in his crib while sleeping yet. Like with my previous kids I know once they do there isnt much youcan do to stop em so just plan on letting him sleep how he wants once he gets to that point. lil K like his binky & like to suck on his thumb so I am hoping he wont be much prob when I start ferberizing at 6 months but who knows...my girls took to falling asleep on their own without much prob but I know every baby is differnt. So until he is 6 months I am just going to cherish the remaining 1 1/2 more months I have of getting to hold him while he falls asleep.

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