Supported sitter: Your 4-month-old
The continuing development of language basics is an important milestone this month. You’ll see that your baby can begin to understand and try to communicate with you. She'll try all sorts of repetitive, high-pitched giggles, shrieks, and noises as she shapes her mouth to change the sounds. You'll start to hear her repeat sounds, such as “ba-ba-ba," over and over as she practices.
Early associations
Any day now your baby will realize that people and things have a name, such as "Mama"—a critical part of language development. If you call her by name, she may respond as she begins to associate herself with it.
Your baby’s growth
At 4 months babies usually range from 23 inches long and 11 pounds) (10th percentile ) to 25.5 inches long and 15.75 pounds (90th percentile).
This month your baby may also:
- squeal and laugh with delight
- make "raspberry" sounds with her lips
- experiment by making new sounds
- make sounds in response to you
- track moving objects as her head and neck development work together
- roll over—usually from front to back—as muscles continue to develop
- raise herself up on straightened arms while lying on her tummy, looking all around as neck muscles strengthen
- grasp a rattle with stronger hand muscles
- bear weight on both legs
- start to sleep through the night
- begin to show interest in solid foods by reaching for mom and dad's food at the table or other food in her line of sight
What you can do
- Spend time each day repeating words to her. Repetition is a great way for babies to learn new words.
- Place a clean blanket on the floor and watch her inch along. She may also raise her head and shoulders to look around. To help prepare her for sitting alone, practice pulling her to a sitting position from the floor.
- Give her toys she can grasp that also stimulate her senses such as crib gyms, brightly colored squeak toys, and soft, bumpy textured items with knobs, handles, and loops.
- Expose her to contrasting natural colors, which are good choices now as her vision continues to improve.
- Introduce her to plastic pliable baby books she can grab and hold.
