What milestones are typical at 4 years?

Names a few colors of items Tells what comes next in a well-known story Says sentences with four or more words Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme Catches a large ball most of the time Serves himself food or pours water, with adult supervision These are a guide, not a test — babies reach them at different times.

What should my baby be eating at 4 years?

modify texture <4 years INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Your baby at 4 years: milestones, feeding & growth

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

modify texture <4 years INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

Names a few colors of itemsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Tells what comes next in a well-known storyCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Draws a person with three or more body partsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

Says sentences with four or more wordsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhymeCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Talks about at least one thing that happened during his day, like "I played soccer."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Answers simple questions like "What is a coat for?" or "What is a crayon for?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

Catches a large ball most of the timeCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Serves himself food or pours water, with adult supervisionCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Unbuttons some buttonsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Asks to go play with children if none are around, like "Can I play with Alex?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friendCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playgroundCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Likes to be a "helper"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Changes behavior based on where she is (place of worship, library, playground)CDC 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
Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

Car: forward-facing harness, then booster per height/weight; always buckled in back seat., Road: teach to hold hands and stop at curbs; supervise near streets., Helmets: for bikes, scooters, and trikes., Stranger & body safety: age-appropriate teaching., Supervise water, playgrounds, and pets.

Sleep

Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 10-13

Part of Preschooler: 4 to 5 years.

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