What Most Babies Do by 4 Months
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Smiles on his own to get your attention
- Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make her laugh
- Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
Language/Communication Milestones
- Makes sounds like "oooo", "aahh" (cooing)
- Makes sounds back when you talk to him
- Turns head towards the sound of your voice
Cognitive Milestones (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)
- If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottle
- Looks at his hands with interest
Movement/Physical Development
- Holds head steady without support when you are holding her
- Holds a toy when you put it in his hand
- Uses her arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
Help Your Baby Learn and Grow
As your baby's first teacher, you can help their learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby's development.
Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes sounds. This teaches him to take turns "talking" back and forth in conversation.
Provide safe opportunities for your baby to reach for toys, kick at toys and explore what is around her. For example, put her on a blanket with safe toys.
Allow your baby to put safe things in his mouth to explore them. This is how babies learn. For example, let him see, hear, and touch things that are not sharp, hot, or small enough to choke on.
Talk, read, and sing to your baby. This will help her learn to speak and understand words later.
Limit screen time (TV, phones, tablets, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Babies learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
Give your baby safe toys to play with that are easy to hold, like rattles or cloth books with colorful pictures for her age.
Let your baby have time to move and interact with people and objects throughout the day. Try not to keep your baby in swings, strollers, or bouncy seats for too long.
Set steady routines for sleeping and feeding. This will help your baby begin to learn what to expect.
Lay your baby on her back and show her a bright-colored toy. Move the toy slowly from left to right and up and down to see if she watches how the toy moves.
Sing and talk to your baby as you help her "exercise" (move her body) for a few minutes. Gently bend and move her arms and legs up and down.
When to Be Concerned
You know your baby best. Don't wait.
If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early.
Talk with your baby's doctor:
- Share your concerns
- Ask about developmental screening
- Get a referral to a specialist if needed
Contact Early Intervention Services:
If you have concerns about your baby's development, contact your local early intervention program for evaluation and support services.
If you or the doctor are still concerned:
- Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more thoroughly.
Download Your 4-Month Milestone Checklist
Free Milestone Checklist
Download our comprehensive 4-month milestone checklist to track your baby's development. Take it with you to doctor visits and use it to monitor progress at home.
No email required • Instant download • Based on WHO & CDC standards
Other Important Things to Share with the Doctor
Questions to Discuss:
- What are some things you and your baby do together?
- What are some things your baby likes to do?
- Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
- Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
- Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?
Safety Reminders:
- Do not shake your baby or allow anyone else to—ever!
- Do not leave your baby alone during tummy time
- Place baby on back in safe sleep area when sleepy
- Watch for signs of hunger and fullness