Your baby is changing and growing every day. It seems like just yesterday you brought your newborn home and all he did was eat and sleep. At 4 months old, however, your baby is not only awake nearly as much as he's asleep, but he is also growing rapidly, developing his own personality, and growing stronger and more sociable every day.
Size
On average, babies gain about 1 1/4 pound every month for their first six months. Therefore, you baby will probably have gained about 5 lbs. from her birth weight by the time she has finished her fourth month. Expect that her birth weight will have about doubled by the time she is 6 months old. Babies grow an average of about 1/2 inch each month, so she'll have grown about 2 inches by the time she is 4 months old.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor refers to the ability to use small muscles, specifically the hands and fingers. At this age, babies are learning to use their hands. At 4 months, your baby can probably reach and grab things, put his hands together, and reach for his toes. He'll also start putting everything in his mouth as a way of exploring.
Gross Motor
Gross motor refers to how your baby's large muscles work,and how she moves. By 4 months, your baby can most likely hold her head up on her own. When you put her on her belly, she will push up on her hands to look around. She'll also probably roll over before the end of the fourth month. At this age, she will also begin to sit up with support; however, she'll most likely topple over if left on her own.
Speech and Language
At 4 months, your baby can begin to understand the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between this time and 6 months of age, your baby will develop the ability to make some vocal sounds, including "ma-ma" or "da-da." He should also begin imitating your facial expressions.
Social and Emotional
Your baby may begin to smile at herself in a mirror at 4 months and will become more active in getting your attention. She'll also begin to recognize familiar voices, responding differently to the voice of her parents versus the voice of a stranger.
References
- ChildrensHospital.org: Growth Milestones for 4 to 6 Month Old
- Extension.org: Your 4 Month Old Baby
- UniversityofMisouriExtension.com: Understanding and Encouraging Your Young Child's Large Motor Development
- BabyMedicalQuestions.com: Baby Developmental Milestones: Birth to 6 months
- ParentsConnect.com: 4-Month-Old Baby Development: Learning Language
