Definition

Infants 4 months old 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

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS

The typical 4-month-old should:

  • Show a slowing of weight gain to approximately 20 grams per day
  • Demonstrate the fading of the infant reflexes (Moro reflex, asymmetric tonic neck reflex, rooting reflex, and Perez reflex)
  • 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)
  • 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

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS

A 4-month-old is expected to:

  • Have well-established close vision
  • Have beginning eye-hand 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
Review Date:12/4/2006
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.