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Developmental milestones record - 4 months

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Normal childhood growth milestones - 4 months; Childhood growth milestones - 4 months; Growth milestones for children - 4 months

Information

All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS

The typical 4-month-old baby should:

  • Show a slowing of weight gain to approximately 20 grams per day
  • Double the birth weight
  • Have almost no head lag while in a sitting position
  • Be able to sit up straight if propped
  • Raise head 90 degrees when placed on stomach
  • Be able to roll from front to back
  • Try to reach objects with hands (may commonly overshoot)
  • Hold and let go of an object
  • Play with rattle when it's placed in the hands, but won't be able to pick it up if dropped
  • Be able to grasp rattle with both hands
  • Be able to place objects in mouth
  • Sleep 9 to 10 hours at night with two naps (total of 14 - 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 babble and 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 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 a swing or stroller
  • Play on the stomach (tummy time)

References

Feigelman S. The first year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elevier; 2007: chap 8.

Review Date: 11/3/2008
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, CPNP, private practice, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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