As a new parent, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your baby happy. Seeing them smile for the first time, crawl for the first time, and talk for the first time are momentous achievements to celebrate. But there are also the smaller milestones, such as lifting their head and turning their face toward a familiar voice, that have a profound impact on your baby’s development.
Milestones are practical guideposts designed to help you identify and celebrate your child’s accomplishments. From birth to 5, ParentPal’s 180 research-based milestones provide you with thoroughly vetted information, giving you a wonderful way to anticipate, encourage, and celebrate your little one’s developments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of milestones to look for in month four.
Social-Emotional: Recognizes other adults
Until now, your baby has clearly recognized parents and close caregivers. But, as baby’s world continues to expand through vision improvements and cognitive development, he or she will begin to recognize other individuals.
Self Help: Shows interest in toys
Your baby is now learning that toys are an interesting diversion, bringing both enjoyment and amusement. Baby will smile, make eye contact with the toy, increase verbalization, and look interested when presented with a toy.
Gross Motor: Makes crawling motions
Baby is beginning to form a mental picture of his or her own body—where arms and legs are and how they move. If you monitor baby on his or her stomach, you’re apt to see arm and leg motions that simulate crawling movements.
Fine Motor: Holds up, looks at hands
When your baby first begins intently staring at his or her upheld hand, you can almost hear the wheels turning… “I have control over that ‘thing.’” This fixation is normal, and is a sign that baby’s hand-eye coordination and depth perception are improving.
Expressive Language: Laughs out loud
Until now, crying and uttering vowel sounds have been the extent of your baby’s verbal communication. It’s hard to know what will trigger early laughter, but soon, baby will delight in this newly found connection with you.
Expressive Language: Squeals
Your baby’s expressive language is really blossoming! Delight and happiness are now conveyed through high-pitched, sometimes ear-splitting squeals. Babies are so enamored with this new skill, they’ll often squeal just to entertain themselves.
Things to Keep in Mind
Remember, it’s not a race and no two babies are alike. Your baby may exhibit some of these behaviors earlier or later than others. Some may simply be skipped. Milestones are meant to be helpful guideposts for parents to ensure their baby is on the right path developmentally.
If you are ever concerned about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician.
Learn more about your baby’s milestones and how you can help foster physical and cognitive development in the ParentPal app.
Want to get a jump start on what to expect next month? Check out our blog on Your Baby’s Development: Month 5.
