Hello, Parents!
Parenthood is a journey like no other. Your child is special and truly one of a kind, just like your experience as a parent.
During this journey, you may worry about your child’s growth, health, and behavior and wonder if you are doing all the “right” things to help her develop. Doubt is inevitable (welcome to parenting!), but no one knows your baby better than you. Trust yourself, and remember that it’s okay to reach out; there are all kinds of great resources in our community to help you along the way.
Here’s a quick list of what to expect from your 4-month old and a few activities to try with her.
What to Expect at 4 Months
- Your baby is communicating with her whole body. She’s moving around, making noises, and crying when she needs something.
- Your child smiles spontaneously, especially at people.
- Your baby copies some movements, like smiling or frowning.
- Your baby likes to play with people and may cry when playing stops.
- Your baby is beginning to babble.
- Your baby may begin to be aware of his voice and may test it or play by making different noises.
- Your child may start reacting with excitement when she sees or hears you.
Activities to Help Your Baby Grow and Learn
Physical play is a valuable tool to support your child’s development. Activities that use physical movements allow children to use their energy, recognize their own capacities, learn new things, and socialize. Playing also benefits your child’s health. Even from a very early age, children use play to understand the world around them.
Here are a few activities to try with your 4-month old:
- Place your baby on your lap or a firm surface facing up. Pull your baby up slowly by her arms. Then gently lower her in an up-and-down game. This will help strengthen her stomach and neck muscles.
- Talk to your baby while changing her diaper or giving her a bath; let the baby know what you are doing. You can also sing to your baby and play gentle games, like splashing on the water or playing peek-a-boo with a washcloth or your hands.
- Place your baby in different positions, like on his stomach or his side. This will allow him to move his arms and legs in different directions, strengthen his body, and give him a more interesting view of his surroundings.
Have fun and remember: you are the most important person in your child’s life!
Want more information? To learn more about your child’s developmental stages, check out the Ages & Stages Questionnaires online or give us a call at 2-1-1 to speak to our Ready to Grow Specialist, Lorena Chappuzeau. Call 211 to connect to a wide variety of resources, including child safety information, childcare, parenting classes, health services, and more.
Sources:
ASQ-3 Learning Activities, Elizabeth Twombly & Ginger Fink
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention