What to Expect of a Four-Month-Old

At four months old your baby is starting to tell people apart, and a baby knows his mom and dad. He will smile more at real people than at pictures of faces. He might also have favorite toys.

The baby can probably roll from side to side, and might even be able to go from his tummy to his back. Watch out, your little athlete could roll off a counter or changing table.

Your baby is learning that things go together. When he hears you in the kitchen, he expects dinner. Your infant likes to splash in the bathtub, and he loves to look in the mirror.

Your baby's reaching-and-grasping skills are improving. Watch baby when he wants a toy. At first the baby had to look from his hand to the toy. As he gets more skilled, he grabs for it directly without looking at his hand first.

Whatever a baby reaches goes right into his mouth! You'll want to be sure he can only reach things that are clean and safe to chew on.

Your baby may be getting teeth, though most babies begin teething at 6 months. Usually the two lower front teeth are first.

WAYS TO HELP YOUR BABY DEVELOP
You can help your baby learn by placing him on his tummy and hold up a toy for him to follow. This helps the baby to learn to roll over.

• Blow soap bubbles for your baby to follow with his eyes.
• Read nursery rhymes--babies like to listen to your voice.
• Babies get excited and like to have fun, everything is a game to them. They might cry and get mad when you stop paying attention to them or take away a toy. It's important for a child to obey his parents, but a four-month-old infant does not understand what you say to him. He hears your tone of voice and may sense you are angry.
• Research shows a baby this young is not able to control his actions long enough to do what you tell him. And, your baby won't be able to for some time. So, spanking doesn't help at all.
• Being kind and gentle with your baby helps more than anything. A baby doesn't do things to bother you on purpose. Remember, to learn and grow, your baby needs a calm and loving home.