Infant (early)
Development in month 4
Development month by month — what your baby is learning now, what to watch, and how to support.
Motor milestones
- ●Rolls from tummy to back
- ●Holds head steady when upright
- ●Purposely grasps toys and brings to mouth
- ●Pushes up on forearms in tummy position
Cognitive milestones
- ●Recognises caregiver by voice and face
- ●Explores objects with eyes, hands and mouth
- ●Shows preferences for specific toys
Social and emotional milestones
- ●Laughs heartily at tickling and jokes
- ●Imitates facial expressions (tongue, mouth)
- ●Seems sad when play ends
Language milestones
- ●Babbling begins: ‘ba-ba’, ‘ga-ga’
- ●Actively listens to speech melody
Red flags — when to see the paediatrician?
- ●No active grasping for toys
- ●No laughter or social response
- ●Head cannot be held steady
- ●No sounds except crying
Activity ideas
- ✓Hold toys in different directions
- ✓Hands-feet play: show baby its own feet
- ✓Sing songs with rhythmic movements
- ✓Offer different textures
Common concerns and tips
Month 4 is infamous for the 4-month sleep regression — many babies wake more at night again. This is due to sleep-cycle maturation, not the baby.
Development varies. This information is based on WHO and CDC milestones but does not replace paediatric assessment. If in doubt, consult your paediatrician.
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