4 Month Infant Milestones

What are the 4 month infant milestones? These markers of a baby's development encompass not only physiological parameters but also mastered skills. At four months old, these achievements include the ability to roll onto one side, support themselves with their hands while lying on their tummy, and maintain focus on an object for an extended period.

4 months old baby developmental milestones

Monthly monitoring of a baby's growth and weight dynamics up to the age of one is a task that concerns not only pediatricians but also parents. Although you've likely been noticing daily changes in your child as they grow stronger, more agile, and seem to be growing by leaps and bounds.

Physical development

Once again, arm yourself with a tape measure, scales, and a notebook to track the physical 4 month infant milestones.

Height:

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	24,3	25,15	26
Girls	23,6	24,44	25,3

Weight:

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	13,6	15,4	17,20
Girls	12,56	14,1	16

Head circumference should fall within 15.9 to 16.1 inches, while chest circumference should be between 16.3 and 16.5 inches.

Let's explore the transformations that occur with children at this stage of development, marked by 4 month infant milestones:

1. Limbs gradually lengthen, creating a more proportional baby's body.

2. Eye color and hair can change, with hair growing rapidly enough to adorn with bows for girls.

3. Colic gradually disappears as the functioning of internal organs, including the intestines, becomes regulated.

4. Your baby begins exploring their environment by attempting to put small objects within reach into their mouth, resulting in increased salivation—time to introduce bibs not only during meals.

5. The "bloom" of their skin signifies the physiological activity of their sebaceous glands, leaving skin concerns of the past.

6. Your baby becomes more tranquil and predictable in their behavior.

7. Newborn reflexes gradually wane, making way for deliberate movements that will become automatic in the future.

8. The grasping reflex is now used consciously; your baby selects and grips onto objects they find appealing, releasing them after play.

9. Rattles continue to capture their interest, particularly if they come in various sizes, colors, and shapes.

10. Your baby has mastered the art of turning from back to stomach and vice versa, enabling them to change positions rapidly and even crawl short distances.

11. Their flexibility is astonishing; they can effortlessly bring their legs to their head and even sample their own toes.

12. Favorite melodies become part of your baby's musical menu, and they joyfully move their arms and legs when they hear them.

13. Your baby responds when you call their name, turning their head toward the source of the sound. The same reaction occurs when adults engage in conversation.

14. Your baby confidently holds their head upright for up to 15 minutes, occasionally leaning on their palms to lift their upper body off the surface.

15. If you raise your baby above a horizontal surface and let them touch it with their legs, instead of mimicking a walking motion as in the newborn stage, you'll notice strong and rhythmic kicks, as if your baby is jumping.

16. Muscle tone in their arms and legs remains, making relaxation massages and exercise therapy still relevant.

17. Your baby endeavors to control the feeding process, attempting to hold their bottle or their mother's breast with their palms.

18. While they can easily assume a sitting position if lifted by their arms, it's important to avoid doing this since their spine is not yet prepared for prolonged sitting.

Social development

Emotionally, a 4-month-old baby maintains a strong attachment to their mother. They can sense her emotional state and respond accordingly. When they hear their mother's voice, they often respond with smiles and coos.

Your baby expresses emotions vividly, and as a parent, you can distinguish between their happiness, anger, or fear. Throughout the day, they actively display interest in their hands and feet, momentarily pausing when someone calls their name. They perceive music and turn toward the source of voices or sounds.

By the end of the 4-month infant milestones development period your baby begins forming ideas about the relationship between frequently repeated situations, fostering cognitive and emotional development.

Also: Co-Sleeping with Baby: Advice for Parent

Tips for parents

Given that the primary skill your baby learns at this age is grasping objects with their hands, it's advisable to choose toys that are easy to hold. Consider rattles in various shapes, ones with bells, maracas, or rings.

At this stage of development, 4 months old baby developmental milestones can also benefit from mobile crib pendants. Hang them at arm's length, so your baby can touch them with their fingers, but not grab them. This encourages them to practice their grip, strengthen their arms, without the risk of pulling the pendants off the mobile. Occasionally, you can attach the mobile to one of the crib's rails, so your baby can reach in different directions.

Another category of toys that piques a child's interest at four months old includes interactive toys. These can be tumblers, baby dolls, or dolls that can be used to create mini shows. Children are often more engaged in observing the actions of these characters than simply spinning or chewing on a doll. Opt for models made of safe, durable plastic without sharp edges, small parts, or removable clothing items.

Noise boxes are a fantastic educational tool. You can create one yourself by taking a jar with a secure lid or a Kinder container, placing a button, nuts, peas, or beads inside, and sealing it tightly. Sew a fabric cover for the box. Its vibrant color will catch your baby's attention, and even if the lid comes off, the contents won't spill.

Fine motor skills for 4 months infants milestones can be developed using fabric pads with different textures, including velvet, satin, and wool. Additionally, you can introduce materials like cereal, rustling cellophane, or small balls.

Lastly, here's the secret to keeping toys engaging: if you give a toy to your child to play with, put it away after 2–3 days. Then, introduce another one. Continue this cycle, bringing out toys in the same order — this guarantees the novelty effect!