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4 MONTH BABY DEVELOPMENT |
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4 MONTHS DEVELOPMENT: At this age, babies gain better control of their muscles. Generally this occurs in a head to toe progression over several months. Babies are now gaining good control of their neck and back muscles so they often like sitting propped up. They are learning to work with their arms and hands and like to reach for and grasp objects such as a rattle or other easily cleansed, brightly colored toys. Remember, a toy is anything a baby will play with, so spoons, boxes and pieces of cloth work as well as purchased items. Babies probably can't crawl yet but rolling will be mastered soon. Babies are now really alert and quite social. With keen eyesight, they tend to be observers and enjoy being where the action is, not lying in the crib. They are often less demanding of you than they were or will be. Many babies begin to babble and laugh, and you can often enter into their play. Older siblings who have not yet accepted this newcomer may now start to act out, jealous of all the attention babies get at this age. Babies may begin to drool and slobber which may indicate teething. The first tooth often erupts around 6 months but may wait until 15 months. Teething rings are often helpful. Fussiness is common and you may use Tylenol. Fevers or diarrhea are not due to teething and indicate illness. If you think it is a mild cold and your baby is still eating and sleeping well, you may just observe your baby for a few days. Any illness lasting longer than a few days deserves a phone call and/or visit to the doctor. Babies tend to average a cold every month to every other month. Remember to read aloud to your baby. FEEDINGS: Formula or breast milk continues to be the most important item in the babies' diet. At this age you may add solids, though they aren't necessary until 6 months of age. Start with rice cereal, and if that is tolerated, other cereals may follow. All solids should be fed from a spoon, never mixed in a bottle. If your baby refuses, just try again in a few weeks, and never force a feeding. A single solid meal a day at first is usually sufficient. You may start to add some fruits and vegetables towards six months of age. Add only one or two new foods per week so you know what your baby doesn't tolerate. Meats can be added at eight months of age. PREVENTION: Make sure baby toys are sturdy enough to not splinter or break, too big to swallow, free of sharp edges or points or parts that might come loose and are painted with safe paint. As babies may be rolling about, clear the floor and play areas of small objects. We recommend against walkers due to pinches, cuts and bruises, but if you have one, use it in short well supervised intervals. You may want to review some other ACCIDENT PREVENTION measures. WELL BABY CHECKUP: Your baby's doctor will again want to review your baby's feeding and development up to this stage. This will be a good time to review questions you have about progressing to solid feedings. Please take the 4 MONTH BABY MILESTONES ASSESSMENT and take the answers with you to the checkup to facilitate discussions with the doctor. The second DTaP, HIB and IPV shots are given today. Review the RECOMMENDED VACCINE SCHEDULE. Pain is usually the only reaction. Using Tylenol may help. Severe crying or extreme weakness is unusual and the baby' doctor of office should be notified if you are worried. Written by Greg Clark, MD and Mark Ludes, DO |
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