What milestones are typical at 4 months?

If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottle Looks at his hands with interest Makes sounds like "oooo", "aahh" (cooing) Makes sounds back when you talk to him Holds head steady without support when you are holding her Holds a toy when you put it in his hand These are a guide, not a test — babies reach them at different times.

What should my baby be eating at 4 months?

modify texture <4 years AVOID <12 months Breast milk only — no water, formula (unless medically indicated), or foods. Vitamin D supplement per pediatrician.

Your baby at 4 months: milestones, feeding & growth

Q: What should my baby be eating at 4 months?

modify texture <4 years AVOID <12 months Breast milk only — no water, formula (unless medically indicated), or foods. Vitamin D supplement per pediatrician.

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.