4 months milestones
by 4 months, most babies are becoming more social and expressive. they laugh, reach for toys, and are working toward rolling. this is often when sleep patterns start to become more regular.
milestones at 4 months
physical
4 milestones- •holds head steady without support
- •pushes down on legs when feet are on a hard surface
- •may roll from tummy to back
- •reaches for and grasps toys
cognitive
3 milestones- •watches faces closely and studies them
- •reaches for a toy with one hand
- •uses eyes and hands together (sees a toy and reaches for it)
social & emotional
2 milestones- •laughs out loud
- •enjoys playing and may cry when playing stops
language
2 milestones- •babbles with expression and copies sounds
- •cries in different ways to express hunger, tiredness, or pain
when to talk to your GP
every child develops at their own pace, but speak to your GP or child health nurse if your child at 4 months:
- •doesn't watch things as they move
- •doesn't smile at people
- •can't hold head steady
- •doesn't coo or make sounds
- •doesn't bring things to mouth
what parents can do
- •provide safe toys to reach for and mouth — this is how they explore
- •play peekaboo — it helps babies learn about object permanence
- •copy your baby's babbling and take turns 'talking'
- •talk about what you're doing during daily routines
next health check
in Australia, child health checks are free and available through your GP or child health nurse. these are a great opportunity to discuss any developmental concerns.
view all baby milestones
the complete month-by-month guide from birth to 5
this guide is for general developmental information only and is not medical advice. milestones are based on guidelines from the Raising Children Network, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and PEDS. every child develops differently — if you have any concerns about your child's development, please see your GP or child health nurse. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.