Milestones: Month 4

Milestones are a big part of your baby's life. Don't get frantic if they don't hit a milestone at the exact time they suggest. However, if they continue not to hit that milestone, consult your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay. Here are month 4 milestones for your baby!

 

1) Smiling: Babies should be smiling a lot by 4 months. They should be able to smile at people when they play with them and enjoy playing.

2) Movements: Babies should be able to start to mimic movements and/or facial expressions of you or others.

3) Babble: Babies should begin to start babbling.

4) Cries: Babies generally start crying in different ways for hunger, sleepiness, upset, hurting, etc.

5) Response: Babies can now let you know better when they are happy or when they are sad. They can also respond more to affection.

6) Coordination: Babies should be reaching for toys and following toys with their eyes. They should also be able to hold a toy and/or bring it to their mouth.  They should also start shaking toys slightly.

7) Recognition: Babies should be able to recognize people and watch faces closely.

8) Head: Babies should be able to control their head steady without support.

9) Feet: Babies should start to be able to push down on a hard surface that is below their feet.

10) Rolling: Babies should start to roll over from tummy to back or be close to it.

11) Hands: Babies should start bringing their hands to their mouths.



12) Elbows: Babies should start or try to start getting on their elbows when on their tummy.

Remember, these are general and not all babies meet milestones at the same time. That's okay. Brody didn't crawl until after he walked and he is just fine. Do, however, consult your pediatrician if you see any of the following happening within your baby.

1) Don't watch things as they move
2) Don't smile at people
3) Can't hold their head steady
4) Don't coo or make any noises
5) Don't bring their hand to their mouth
6) Don't push down with feet when feet are placed on a hard surface
7) Has trouble moving eye(s) in any direction

Have fun watching your little one grow and develop! Treasure this time, it goes by quickly!

Until next time,