Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 4 months.

Your baby this month

By 4 months, most babies hold their head steady when you hold them.

Most babies this age are cooing — making sounds like 'oooo' and 'aahh'.

You this month

Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface. This lowers the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Simple play like tummy time, rattles, and singing all suit this age.

Your baby at 5 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 4 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottleCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks at his hands with interestCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Makes sounds like "oooo", "aahh" (cooing)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Makes sounds back when you talk to himCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Turns head towards the sound of your voiceCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Holds head steady without support when you are holding herCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Holds a toy when you put it in his handCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses her arm to swing at toysCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Brings hands to mouthCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummyCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Smiles on his own to get your attentionCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make her laughCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attentionCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Avoid honey before 12 months — risk of infant botulism. — AVOID <12 months
  • Exclusive breastfeeding — Breast milk only — no water, formula (unless medically indicated), or foods. Vitamin D supplement per pediatrician.
  • Do not give cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months (poor iron, renal load). — AVOID as main drink <12 months
  • Avoid added salt and sugar in the first year. — AVOID first year

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Safe sleep: place baby on the BACK on a firm flat surface; no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets (reduces SIDS)., Car seat: rear-facing in the back seat., Choking: keep small objects and small/round foods away; supervise feeding., Water: never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment., No baby walkers (fall/injury risk); supervise tummy time.

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 12-16

Part of Baby's first year.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • Continue breastfeeding as primary nutritionSource: WHO/UNICEF — Infant and young child feeding: model chapter
  • Consult pediatrician about starting solidsSource: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024)
  • Wait until around 6 months to start solids, as recommended by WHO and ICMR-NIN, unless your pediatrician advises otherwise for a specific reasonSource: WHO — Infant and young child feeding
  • 14 hours. 2-3 naps per day. Nighttime sleep consolidating.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • If starting solids around 6 months, begin with a soft cereal-and-dal porridge (e.g. rice cooked soft with dal) rather than plain 'dal water'Source: ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition — Infant Feeding
  • Baby-proofing becomes importantSource: AAP — HealthyChildren.org, Choking Prevention