As your baby reaches the 4-month mark, you must be wondering about the new skills they will develop at this stage. It’s an exciting phase where your baby will start showing a budding personality and become more active.

Here are some milestones and abilities you can expect your 4-month-old baby to achieve:.

1. Improved Motor Skills

At four months, your baby’s neck muscles are stronger, and they can hold their head up steadily without support. Their motor skills also start to improve, and they are likely to reach and grab for objects with their hands.

You may notice your baby initiating play by holding toys and bringing them to their mouth.

2. Better Visual Perception

By now, your baby’s eyesight has improved, and they can recognize faces, objects, and colors better than before. They can differentiate between shades of colors and follow moving objects with their eyes.

3. Improved Vocalization

Your baby’s babbling becomes more refined at four months, and they start to mimic sounds and syllables they hear. You may notice them trying out different vowel and consonant sounds, giggling, and making raspberries.

4. Better Sleep Patterns

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles, has established in your baby’s system by now, and they may sleep for longer stretches at night. At this age, most babies sleep for around 14 to 16 hours a day.

Your baby’s social skills begin to develop as they become more expressive and interactive. They will smile, laugh, and make eye contact with their parents and caregivers.

You may notice them responding to their names and recognizing familiar faces and voices.

6. Improved Cognitive Function

Babies at this age become more curious and interested in the world around them. You may see your baby studying their environment, recognizing patterns, and developing an understanding of cause and effect.

They begin to have a better sense of spatial awareness and can differentiate between different textures and shapes.

7. Improved Grip Strength

Your baby’s grip strength will continue to improve, and they can hold smaller objects with ease.

They will also develop hand-eye coordination and start to use their pincer grasp, which is a crucial fine motor skill for holding small objects between the thumb and forefinger.

8. Increased Mobility

At four months, some babies can roll over from their back to their belly, while others can pivot on their stomachs. Your baby may start to push themselves up on their arms when lying on their stomachs or sit with support.

9. Appetite and Digestion Changes

Your baby’s appetite and digestion at four months will vary depending on their individual needs. Most babies start to take in more milk or formula at each feeding and may begin to show an interest in solid foods.

Their digestive system will continue to mature, and you may notice changes in bowel movements.

10. Improved Emotional Expression

Babies at four months will start to express a wider range of emotions, such as frustration, happiness, and excitement. Your baby may have favorite toys, become more attached to you, and express separation anxiety if you leave them with someone else.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many developmental milestones to look for when your baby reaches the 4-month mark.

From better visual perception and improved motor skills to increased mobility and more advanced emotional expression, each baby develops at their own pace. Keep in mind that every baby is unique and may achieve these milestones at slightly different times. Always consult with your baby’s pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about their development.