Reviewed by: Dr. Travis Satnarine BSc. MBBS.

Your baby has become more independent and vocal, he smiles, plays, shouts, and tires to climb when held in a standing position.

Baby’s growth and development

Your baby may have gained about 1.25 pounds in the past month, and he may go through a ‘growth spurt.’ He is probably drooling excessively; some babies begin teething as early as four months.

Baby’s back and neck are stronger, his kicks are powerful, and he may be moving those legs constantly. He will be grabbing for everything he can reach and learning to coordinate his movements better.

Milestones

Begins reaching for things

Grasps and releases toys

Rolls over from tummy to back

• Milestones are just a guide; babies do different things are different times. If you have concerns talk about it at the next visit with your pediatrician.

Health Care

The Paediatrician will weigh and measure your baby and continue with his routine checks. Baby’s fontanels (soft spots on the head) will be examined, and his head will be checked for evenness. The back fontanel has already closed but the one to the top of the head will take much longer.

The doctor will also check for signs of teething.

Baby will be getting his four-month vaccines at this visit.

Vaccines: DPT, Hep B, HIB, Pneumococcal, OPV (Baby is orally immunized for two strains of Polio).

Interesting things about Month 4

Pools of drool may be found almost everywhere as teething may have started.

Baby’s neck strength greatly improves, and he can hold her head steady (even if for short periods of time) and he is able to push himself up with elbows.

You will see a more active, wiggly, kicking, and interested in being held upright.

Baby’s new hobby is reaching for toys and placing them into the mouth.

Baby can follow objects in the distance and hold his gaze, his colour vision is also developing.

Baby is a true socialite and will look forward to interacting with others. The little trickster may even smile at you just to get you to smile back or mimic a cough to get your attention.

Your baby may be loud, shouting, babbling, laughing and he recognizes his closest people very well.

Advice for Moms & New Parents

Be ready to answer any questions from your doctor but remember to get your questions answered too.

A good way to keep your baby occupied this month is to blow some bubbles and see baby follow them with those inquisitive eyes.

Look out for signs of teething – placing objects in the mouth, drooling, higher temperature, crankiness, and/or swollen gum.

Look out for signs that your baby is ready for food, if he is holding up the head (unsupported) for long, or can sit up when supported, and show interest when you are eating.

Baby will be attempting to put everything reachable in his mouth, be sure to sanitize toys regularly.

After vaccines, use the recommended dosage of medication, try a warm cloth on the injection site, try a warm bath, and comfort him.

Reminders for this month:

Take baby to his four-month-old check-up.

Ensure that baby gets relevant vaccines.

Ask about the introduction of solids

Schedule baby’s six-months check-up

Baby is rolling and reaching for things, so no high surfaces, look out for loose objects, and never leave baby unattended for lengthy periods of time.

Take baby’s four-month-old photo.