At Four Months
Baby is growing and getting excited about, well, just about everything. Especially playtime and all the things hands can touch. Hands are so fascinating! He reaches out for things, although he often overshoots the mark.
What’s more, the many cute noises and smiles you’re hearing and seeing are a good indicator of baby’s excitement and general delight. And with your support, the gurgles and smiles will only get bigger as baby starts sitting up and watching the world from a new vantage point.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Vocalises pleasure and displeasure; makes sounds while being spoken to.
SLEEPING ZZZZZZZZZ
daily (approx.)
15-16hrs
Will probably take 3 naps during the day.
CRYING
It’s perfectly normal for babies to have crying spells that last 20–60 minutes or longer. In the first 5–6 months, crying may increase in intensity. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, baby may seem inconsolable. Soft music or singing, rocking, walking, and massaging are all ways to soothe a crying baby.
NAPPIES
The frequency of bowel movements varies among infants. Babies don’t need to have a bowel movement every day. If stools appear normal, even if baby turns red or strains during a bowel movement, there is no need for concern.
HUNGER CUES & FEEDING MILESTONES
- Gazes intently at caregiver, brings hands to mouth, socialises during feeding.
- Crying and fussing can be a late sign that baby is very hungry.
- May be distracted or notice surroundings more when full.
MOTOR/PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
- By 4 months: can lift head and chest, and can support self on forearms when placed on tummy.
- Can sit up with support.
- Uses hands to reach, grasp, bang and splash; swipes at and reaches for objects in view.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
- Smiles and babbles when given attention.
- Pats and pulls at your hair and face.
Related articles
Common concerns in the first days
Physiological jaundice
5 mins to read
At Six Weeks
Your baby will smile deliberately, especially for his parents. He can hold his head up momentarily, and focus on and follow moving objects.
5 mins to read
At Two Months
By 2 months, he can lift his head when on his tummy and hold his head up when held at his shoulder.
5 mins to read
At Three Months
Your baby lifts his head up when lying on his tummy. His hands can grasp a small rattle, and he has started laughing.
5 mins to read
Emotional development in Your Baby
Your baby is discovering their emotions from birth.
3 mins to read
At Five Months
He starts to roll over from his tummy onto his back.
5 mins to read
Your baby’s appearance at birth
Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly.
5 mins to read
Postnatal exercise progressions
Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.
5 mins to read
Baby bottle feeding equipment
you have decided to bottle feed your baby
1 min to read
Rashes
A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.
5 mins to read
Baby Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding Videos
A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b
5 mins to read
Emotional adjustments
Your feelings about the birth
5 mins to read
Baby’s temperature
The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.
5 mins to read
Possible problems
If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your docto
5 mins to read
Becoming a parent
Becoming a parent is full of Excitement
The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.
1 min to read
Stools
A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.
2 mins to read
