Normal Development: 4 Months Old

Here's what you might notice your baby doing between the ages of 4 months and 6 months of age.

Daily Activities

• Is active, playful, and likes people.
• Reaches and grasps some objects.
• Shakes rattle when placed in hand.
• Carefully studies objects placed in his hand.
• Explores things by putting them into his mouth.
• Plays contentedly with fingers and hands.
• Usually sleeps through the night.
• Laughs and giggles while playing and socializing.
• Basks in attention.
• Just begins to realize objects exist even when out of sight.

Hearing

• Turns head in response to human voice.
• Smiles and coos when talked to.

Motor Skills

• Rolls from front to back.
• Holds up chest when lying on tummy.
• Supports head when held in sitting position.
• Sits with support for longer periods.
• Enjoys using the legs in kicking motions.

Vision

• Focuses clearly.
• Fascinated with mirror image.

Each child is unique. It is difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide range of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines show general progress through the developmental stages rather than fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to reach some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns about your child's own pattern of development, check with your healthcare provider.