What to Expect: The Fourth Month
At four months, your baby is experiencing significant changes and growth. This period is crucial for laying the foundation for their physical and cognitive development. Establishing routines for feeding, play, and sleep will help you support your baby's emerging needs. Ensuring a safe environment is paramount as your baby begins to explore more actively. This guide provides practical advice on how to nurture your baby's development, maintain their health, and prepare for the new challenges ahead.
FAMILY CHECK-IN
Prioritize your well-being and family connections while exploring childcare options.
Take care of YOU. Take time for yourself and for family and friends.
Lead is toxic for everyone. Find out if your house or drinking water has lead and take steps to get rid of it.
Find a responsible, experienced babysitter or caregiver.
You can talk with your child’s healthcare provider about childcare options.
FEEDING
Continue with breastmilk or formula, and consider introducing solids if your baby shows readiness.
Feed your baby breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. Solid foods can begin at 4 to 6 months.
If you decide to start solid foods, make sure your baby shows signs of readiness.
Position your baby so that you can see each other during feeding.
Feed your baby on demand when they are hungry. Look for signs of fullness and avoid feeding your baby too much.
Signs your baby is full:
Turns away
Closes their mouth
Leans back
Formula Feeding Babies:
Prepare and store formula safely. Mix according to package directions. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you need help.
Feed your baby on demand. Expect them to eat about 6 to 8 times per day or 30 to 32 ounces of formula per day.
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400 IU) until they are consuming at least 32 ounces of formula.
Hold the bottle for your baby. Never prop a bottle.
Never give your baby a bottle in their crib.
Breastfeeding Babies:
Celebrate if you are still breastfeeding. Keep going as long as you and your baby would like.
Your baby may want to nurse more often now. This is normal. Babies at this age go through growth spurts.
Nursing parents should continue to take a daily prenatal vitamin with iron and eat a healthy diet.
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400IU)
If you need to pump and store breast milk, be sure to store your milk properly so it stays safe for your baby.
Talk to your health care provider if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal supplements.
PLAYING
Encourage active play and establish consistent routines for naps and bedtime.
Create routines for nap times, feeding, playtime, and bed.
Encourage active play:
Floor gyms, supervised tummy time, and colorful toys on the floor.
Read often to your baby.
TVs and digital media should not be used to calm or entertain your baby.
Do not use a baby walker.
HEALTHY TEETH
Start early dental care and avoid practices that can lead to cavities.
Take care of your own teeth by visiting the dentist regularly so that you won’t pass bacteria that cause cavities to your baby.
Avoid sharing spoons with your baby.
Offer a cold teething ring if your baby’s gums are sore from teething.
Avoid giving your baby any bottles in bed.
Clean your baby's gums and teeth twice daily with a soft cloth or soft baby toothbrush and a dot of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
SLEEPING
Establish a bedtime routine and ensure safe sleep practices.
Create a bedtime routine and put your baby to bed while they are sleepy but still awake. This will teach your baby to fall asleep on their own.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib. Never co-sleeping with you.
Make sure their bed and mattress meet the most recent safety guidelines.
Do not put soft objects or loose items in bed with your baby—no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.
Help your baby wake for feedings by patting them, changing diaper, and undressing.
Avoid using a crib with the drop side railings.
Lower the crib mattress.
Put your baby’s crib in your room for the first couple of months.
If you choose a mesh playpen, get one made after February 2013.
SAFETY CHECK-IN
Maintain safety at home and on the road, and be prepared for emergencies.
Safety In The Car and On the Road
Always buckle your baby in a rear-facing-only car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Do not take your baby out of the car seat while the vehicle is moving. Instead, find a safe place to stop the car and then attend to your little one.
Always wear your lap/shoulder belt. Do NOT text while driving. Do NOT drive under the influence.
Never put a baby in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.
Infants are extremely vulnerable to heat sickness in high temperatures and hypothermia in low temperatures. DO NOT leave your baby in a vehicle–ever.
Safety Around Water, Sun, and Chemicals
Keep hot liquids out of reach of your baby.
Prevent tap water burns. Set your water heater to 1200F/490C.
Avoid sun exposure for your baby.
Tobacco-free environments are best for children.
Keep home and car smoke-free.
Avoid using pesticides in the home.
Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub, even with a bath seat or ring.
Safety in the Home and Emergency Planning
Purchase a first aid kit.
take a first aid and infant CPR class.
Keep hanging cords or strings away from your baby. Do not let your baby wear necklaces or bracelets.
Keep a hand on your baby when changing clothing or diapers. Also while on a couch or raised surface.
Keep small objects, small toys, and latex balloons away from your baby.
Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor. Test monthly and change batteries yearly.
Make a family escape plan in case of fire in your home.
Illness Treatment and Prevention
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Use a rectal thermometer to take your baby’s temperature, not an ear, forehead, or another thermometer. A rectal temperature of 100.40 F or higher is considered a fever.
If your child has a fever, call their healthcare provider.
Avoid crowds and make sure others wash their hands before touching the baby.
Conclusion
As your baby reaches four months, these developmental milestones bring both excitement and new responsibilities. By focusing on balanced nutrition, engaging play, safe sleep practices, and comprehensive safety measures, you’re helping your baby develop in a healthy, secure environment. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers and taking care of your well-being are also essential during this period. By following these guidelines, you can create a supportive environment that promotes your baby’s growth and sets the stage for their continued development.
