Developmental milestones record – 4 months

Off English,

Typical 4-month-old infants are expected to develop certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called milestones.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS

The typical 4-month-old baby should:

  • Slow in weight gain to about 20 grams (almost two thirds of an ounce) per day
  • Weigh 2 times more than their birth weight
  • Have almost no head droop while in a sitting position
  • Be able to sit straight if propped up
  • Raise head 90 degrees when placed on stomach
  • Be able to roll from front to back
  • Hold and let go of an object
  • Play with a rattle when it’s placed in their hands, but won’t be able to pick it up if dropped
  • Be able to grasp a rattle with both hands
  • Be able to place objects in the mouth
  • Sleep 9 to 10 hours at night with 2 naps during the day (total of 14 to 16 hours per day)

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS

A 4-month-old baby is expected to:

  • Have well-established close vision
  • Increase eye contact with parents and others
  • Have beginning hand-eye coordination
  • Be able to coo
  • Be able to laugh out loud
  • Anticipate feeding when able to see a bottle (if bottle-fed)
  • Begin to show memory
  • Demand attention by fussing
  • Recognize parent’s voice or touch

PLAY

You can encourage development through play:

  • Place the baby in front of a mirror.
  • Provide bright-colored toys to hold.
  • Repeat sounds the infant makes.
  • Help the infant roll over.
  • Use an infant swing at the park if the baby has head control.
  • Play on the stomach (tummy time).

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