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Growth & DevelopmentMONTH 4 - What's Going On This Month?Your BabyMost babies have doubled their birth weight. If your baby weighed seven pounds at birth, he may weigh 14 pounds now. Your baby may do the following: roll from side to side, lift his/her head and chest when placed on his/her stomach, sit with support for a short time, put objects in his/her mouth, put his/her hands together, screech and laugh. Your baby’s vision is good enough to see small details, can focus clearly. S/he may be fascinated with mirror images. Begins to try to turn head and eyes toward sounds and familiar voices. Prefer sitting, instead of lying down. It’s more interesting! S/he knows you very well now and will lift his/her arms to come to you. S/he may begin to fuss when strangers approach them. Active and playful, reached and grasps for objects. Puts everything in mouth. Plays happily with hands and fingers. Acknowledges bottle. Laughs and giggles while playing and socializing. Shakes rattle when placed in hand. Splashes and kicks with hands and feet while getting a bath. S/he will like some people, but may be shy around others. S/he is starting to learn that things go together. When they hear the water running, they look forward to splashing in the bathtub. Knows if something is near or far, more aware of depth and distance. Caring For Your BabyYour baby should get these shots: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), Polio, Hib disease (Haemophilus influenza type b) and Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV). If you see changes in your baby’s bowels, talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse. During bath time, let your baby splash in the water while you hold him/her. Avoid sharing things that have been in your mouth with the baby. Keeping Your Baby SafeWash your baby’s toys often to keep them free of germs. Keep toys with small parts (smaller than their fist) or sharp objects away from your baby. Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth. Let your baby sleep 14 to 17 hours each day. NutritionTalk to your baby’s doctor or nurse before you start feeding your baby any new foods. At about 4 months, ask your baby’s doctor or nurse about the best time to start solid (strained or mashed) food and juice for your baby, which foods to give your baby first and which foods to avoid. Start your baby on one new food at a time. Begin spoon-feeding when your baby is able to hold his/her head up to take food. Start with single-grain, iron-fortified infant cereals such as rice, oatmeal or barley. Use a small spoon for feeding. Growth and Development ActivitiesShow your baby his/her face in a mirror. Gently massage and stroke your baby’s arms, legs and back. Encourage your baby to turn his/her head toward sounds. Play “peek-a-boo” with your baby. Play, “This little piggy…” with their toes or fingers. Place toys out of your baby’s reach and ask them to get the toys. Watch them roll or scoot! Read and talk to your baby. Let your baby try to hold objects in both hands. Let your baby watch a mobile. Wave bye-bye when you leave the room for a moment or two. As you wave, tell your baby where you are going. “I am going into your bedroom to get your blanket. I’ll be right back. Bye-Bye.” Information adapted from the following Resources:
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