Milestones at 4 Months

There’s a lot happening as your baby begins to explore the world. You can help this along by providing toys that are bright and interesting and playing games like peek-a-boo. Here’s a look at what a baby typically does at 4 months:

Social / Emotional Milestones

Smiles on his or her own to get your attention
Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make him or her laugh
Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

Language / Communication Milestones

Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
Makes sounds back when you talk to him or her
Turns head towards the sound of your voice

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

If hungry, opens mouth when he or she sees breast or bottle
Looks at his or her hands with interest

Movement / Physical Milestones

Holds head steady without support when being held
Holds a toy when you put it in his or her hand
Uses his or her arm to swing at toys
Brings hands to mouth
Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy

Concerned About Your Child’s Development?

All babies are different and develop at their own pace. If your infant has not yet reached some of these milestones, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

Still, you know your child best. And developmental delays or disorders are most successfully treated when caught early.

If you have concerns, don’t wait.

Talk with the healthcare provider if you think your child...

Is not meeting milestones for his or her age
Has lost skills he or she once had, or is not doing something you’d expect him or her to be doing

Or if you have concerns about...

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves
Other things your child does

SOURCE: These developmental milestones, established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, provide a general idea of what most children (75% or more) do at this age.

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