Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

4-month-old child

The fourth month is one of the more enjoyable and easier to manage times in the first year of a baby's life. Being with babies at this age is more fun because of their responses. They delight at being held, bounced, cuddled, sat up, and played with. Toys mentally stimulate a baby's learning processes. Three or four naps in 24 hours become routine.

A new interest with food begins with the gradual introduction of semi-liquid, mushy foods. Thriving babies show a steady weight gain of about 6 to 8 ounces per week. Hiccups, drooling, gagging, and sneezing emerge. Although all children are unique, new growth and development milestones will typically occur by the end of 4 months.

The typical 4-month-old's motor skills include:

• turning head in all directions when sitting or lying down
• reaching for and grasping objects
• supporting own weight when held upright with feet against a flat surface
• sitting supported with head steady for 10 to 15 minutes and
• turning over and controlling head and trunk

The 4-month-old's language skills include:

• maintaining a strong, steady cry
• imitating a few sounds and
• smiling, squealing, and cooing when spoken to

The 4-month-old's mental abilities include:

• seeing in color and awareness of depth and distances and
• discriminating between people and between objects

The 4-month-old's social traits include:

• enjoying play, games, and socializing
• laughing
• making friends with adults and even strangers
• crying if play is stopped and
• splashing, kicking, and lifting head when taking baths

Four-month-old babies will cry when they are lonely, want attention, or are ready for play. Do not ignore these cries. Responding will keep them from feeling lonely and help them become emotionally healthy. Attending to their needs and giving love will calm them. You can never spoil a newborn.

Avoid playing with or over stimulating the baby at night. If he wakes, comfort him without moving him from the crib by rubbing, gently talking, and expressing your love. Place the baby on his or her back or side to sleep unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise.

Be sure your baby receives the second DTaP, polio, Hepatitis B, Hib and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) immunizations now.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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