Your Baby's 4 Month Developmental Milestones

Watching your baby’s continued growth and development is an exciting time for parents. At 4 months, your baby may start rolling over, babbling and cooing, and making eye contact with you. You can see more of their unique personality come to life during the 4 month stage. Remember all babies develop at their own pace, so try to avoid using milestones as a comparison tool.

You may anticipate a variety of thrilling milestones at the 4 month stage, including the following.

Physical 

When your baby reaches the 4 month stage, they will start to increase their physical movements. Whether it’s rolling around or moving across the room, grasping toys or swiping at hanging toys.

You may notice at 4 months, that your baby continues to develop the following physical milestones:

• Your baby may be able to hold their head steady without any support when you are holding them.
• When handed a toy, your baby may be able to grasp and hold onto it.
• Your baby may even pick up objects with their hands and put them into their mouth - just be careful that they don’t put anything small enough to entirely fit in their mouth, as this could be a choking hazard.
• They may start to use their arms to swing at dangling toys, or attempt to grab toys within their reach.
• During tummy time, they may push up onto their elbows or forearms.

Cognitive

Your baby’s cognitive skills develop as they begin to take notice of their environment. With this leap in abilities your baby’s hand-eye coordination may also improve.

You may see your baby displaying new developments like:

• Their eyes move from side to side to watch moving objects.
• Communicating whether they’re happy or sad.
• Looking at faces, including yours, while feeding.
• Finding partial objects you may have hidden.
• Playing with and grabbing their fingers, hands, feet or toes.

Emotional

As you’ve spent the last few months bonding with your baby, their emotions may become more obvious at 4 months. Their emotional development often coincides with their developing communication skills.

You can appreciate emotional milestones such as:

• Your baby looking in the mirror, smiling and talking to their reflection.
• Chuckling or laughing to express excitement and delight.
• Whinging to express emotions such as frustration or anger.

Communication

One of the most exciting aspects of your baby’s development is the ability to communicate with your little one. From hearing their adorable coo and babbles, to seeing their first smiles, these interactions help increase the bond between you and your baby.

You may come across new communication skills at this age, like the following:

• Mimicking sounds they hear by gurgling or cooing.
• Expressing their needs or wants by making sounds.
• Being soothed by voices or low rhythmic sounds.
• Your baby may increase their vocalisation through squeals, gurgles or coos, as they find their voice.
• They may pause and listen to you talk before they respond with their own sounds.

Social

Around 4 months, babies may be more aware of their surroundings and engage more with others around them. Their curiosity is endless as they continue through their journey in life.

Some social milestones your baby may show at this age are:

• Smiling spontaneously at themselves and others.
• Copying your movements or facial expressions.
• Enjoying playing with others, and getting upset when playtime ends.
• Making and holding eye contact with others when held face to face.
• Becoming more alert and preoccupied with faces.
• Around now your baby will begin to have depth perception, which helps them to see how far away something is from them.

Milestones to monitor

It's important to recognise that each baby follows their own unique developmental path, and there's a broad range of what's considered normal. However, in some cases, it's important to be mindful of potential delays in your baby's milestones. 

Here are some common signs that could indicate a potential delay in your baby's development:

• Observes moving objects without interest.
• Doesn't respond with smiles to people.
• Struggles to maintain head stability.
• Doesn't produce cooing sounds.
• Doesn't bring objects to the mouth.
• Doesn't exert pressure with legs when feet touch a solid surface.
• Encounters difficulty moving one or both eyes in various directions.

At 4 months old, most babies typically start displaying the skills outlined in this article. If your little one's progress seems significantly behind, it may be beneficial to have a compassionate conversation with your GP, child health nurse or Well Child nurse. Remember, early intervention and open communication can make a positive difference in your child's development. 

Playtime becomes far more significant for your baby by the 4 month stage, especially as they are awake for longer periods and gain more mobility. You build a stronger relationship with your baby at every interaction including feeding.

Here are some common ways to interact with your baby during playtime:

●      Sing songs to them or play music.

●      Take them outdoors for walks in the pram to interact with the world.

●      Read stories to them, using soft books with bright colours.

●      Encourage interaction with soft toys or ones that make noises. Keep an eye out for which toys your baby reacts to, which can indicate preference.

●      Engage them in supervised tummy time on a play mat, otherwise known as floor play.

●      Play hand games to develop hand-eye coordination.

Your baby is usually ready to play after waking from a nap or finishing their feed. They may display signs like the following so keep an eye out for cues like:

●      Keeping you in their sight or maintaining eye contact.

●      Lifting their head to face you.

●      Smiling at you.

●      Reaching out to you with their hands.

●      Making funny sounds or trying to babble.

●      Looking alert.

Your baby will also let you know when they are done playing. This is generally due to tiredness, hunger, or being overstimulated. Keep an eye out for the following cues to ensure that your baby is given a timely break:

●      Pulling away from you or looking away.

●      Frowning, fussing, or crying.

●      Arching their back.

●      Pulling at their ears or rubbing their head.

●      Flapping their arms.

Playtime is also greatly beneficial for a baby's social development as they learn skills like how to copy sounds, lift themselves into a sitting position with your aid, or even recognise familiar faces beyond your own. Help your baby explore the beginnings of these joyous milestones by regularly scheduling playtime.

The 4 month mark of your baby's growth indicates another round of health and safety checks. Namely, in the form of more vaccinations and changes to ensure their safety in various environments. It is important to stay on top of your little one's wellbeing especially if they have older siblings or lots of visitors.

Vaccinations

During this age, your baby is due for a check-up with your child health nurse, Well Child nurse or your doctor. Beyond a physical examination and a discussion of their daily habits, more vaccinations are available for your baby's well-being.

In Australia, the National Immunisation Program Schedule provides the childhood immunisations recommended for all children, free of charge. It is common for babies in Australia to receive their second dose of the following vaccinations at 4 months. 

Rotavirus

Liquid drops, second dose at 4 months.

Pneumococcal disease

1 injection, second dose at 4 months and third dose at 12 months.

Meningococcal B

1 injection, second dose at 4 months and third dose at 12 months.

Speak to your child health nurse, doctor or healthcare professional with any questions you may have about immunisations in Australia.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the National Immunisation Schedule sets out the free vaccines offered to babies at certain times in their lives. 

It is common for babies in New Zealand to receive their second dose of vaccinations at 5 months so book your appointment now.

Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, and hib vaccine
1 injection at 5 months.  

Pneumococcal disease

1 injection at 5 months.

Speak to your Well Child provider, doctor or healthcare professional with any questions you may have about immunisations or find all the information you need at New Zealand Immunisation Schedule.

Safety

The increased mobility and strength that come with your baby's growth at this age mean a delightful time watching them learn new skills. However, their ability to move also means that you will have to pay extra attention to keeping them safe.

Some methods you can use to keep your baby safe include:

●      While playing on the ground, create an open space to prevent your baby from hitting their limbs on furniture.

●      Laying them down to sleep on their back, swaddling with their hands out and keeping their cot clear of any loose objects like toys, blankets, or pillows.

●      Staying on top of your baby's well-being, keeping an eye out for any signs of sickness or poor health.

●      Baby-proofing your home and child-locking any dangerous spaces or storage places.

●      Using a rear-facing car seat while transporting your baby. Aim to continue with a rear-facing seat for as long as possible. Ideally, until your baby reaches the car seat manufacturer's maximum weight and height limits. Many newer rear-facing seats have 22kg+ weight limits.

Self-care tips for parents

Looking out for your baby is the most important thing in your life as a parent, but it is just as vital to take care of yourself. Without proper nutrition, sleep, and downtime, you can't be the best parent you have the potential to be. So be sure to create time for the following self-care techniques:

●      Regularly take time to eat nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up.

●      Nap as needed if you are staying up at night due to a fussy or crying baby.

●      Make time to enjoy something just for yourself. Having a moment to relax and wind down can give you a clear mind when interacting with your baby once more. Your partner or support network can take care of the baby during these moments of rest.

●      Take some time out of your day to get outdoors and breathe some fresh air. A change of scenery or pace can help settle your mind and give you a fresh new perspective. This can also involve getting some physical exercise for your well-being.

●      Try attending council or community new parents’ groups if available; they typically cover topics ranging from baby development to maternal health, wellbeing, first aid and more, preparing you for anything in your baby's life.

●      Consider looking at baby sensory classes or parents' groups where you can meet up and socialise with others. Your baby will love the interaction and it’s a great place for you to find support and friendship.

Parenthood can be a challenging, yet rewarding time of your life, but it’s important to remember that you are never alone on the journey. Should you need any additional help, reach out to professionals such as your Maternal and Child Health nurse or local GP. Their advice can help ensure the healthy development of your 4 month old baby, as well as their happiness.