What to expect of a 4 month old (1015)

At 4 months old baby is starting to tell people apart, and knows his mom and dad. He will smile more at real people than at pictures of faces. Baby might also have favorite toys. Baby can probably roll from side to side, and might even be able to go from her tummy to her back. Watch out; your little athlete could roll off a counter or changing table.

Baby is starting to learn 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 she wants a toy. At first, baby had to look from her hand to the toy. As she gets more skilled, she grabs for it directly without looking at her hand first. Whatever 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.

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

You can help baby learn by placing her on her tummy and holding up a toy for her to follow. This helps baby to learn to roll over.

Blow soap bubbles for 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 her parents, but a four-month-old infant does not understand what you say to her. She hears your tone of voice and may sense you are angry. Research shows that a baby this young is not able to control his actions long enough to do what you tell him. Your baby won't be able to obey for some time, so spanking doesn't help at all.

Being kind and gentle with your baby will help more than anything else. Baby doesn't do things to bother you on purpose. To learn and grow, your baby needs a calm and loving home.

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