The Baby’s Fourth Month: Social Life Begins
It is now that the child’s “independent” phase begins. During the baby’s fourth month, he will learn to use his hands to pick up objects and begin to socialize more with his surroundings.
Lots of waffle and happy smiles will now come!
After the first trimester of life , a baby can start using his body because his muscles have now reached a new point in their development.
You see him trying in new positions, like sitting trying up, even though he still can’t really. But he can lean on his arms while lying down and trying to raise his head. He will also love rolling around in bed.
As a result, you should be careful about leaving your baby on an oversized surface. He does not know the dangers he has to watch out for yet.
You will also notice that your child becomes more attentive and interactive with their surroundings.
He will enjoy playing with toys (especially those that make sounds), he will put things in his mouth and he will try to talk to and wait for answers from people close to him.
Be careful what the baby puts in its mouth. Try not to leave things within reach as he may be suffocated by certain objects.
As for his social life, he will now during his fourth month learn to laugh out loud when he is in a happy mood and with the right company. He may cry when someone other than mom and dad approaches him, but that is only until he learns to trust them.
Changes in the body during the baby’s fourth month
- The weight gain comes down slowly. He will gain about 150 grams per week.
- Nor will he grow that much in the long run. Unlike the first three months, he will now only grow between 6 and 7 centimeters.
- Night time will be defined. He will sleep between 8 and 10 hours at night and will also take a few naps during the day.
- Fewer diapers need to be changed as bowel movements slow down and he will urinate less often.
- Improve coordination of arms and legs. He can start picking up objects and try to stand up on solid surfaces.
- More social. He does not want to be alone. He will make his first sounds and also some syllables. He will smile more and even start laughing.
- The feed does not change. Breast milk should continue to be the baby’s only source of food. You can only integrate solid foods at 6 months of age.
- He will start to see in color. In addition, he can now distinguish between his parents’ faces and other people.
- The ears have been optimized. He will begin to identify the voices of those who spend the most time with him, especially his parents.
- The discomfort begins to creep in. The child may become irritated and this is for the following reasons: nausea, constipation, cramps, diarrhea or cold. Contact your pediatrician if you notice that the child is showing signs of discomfort.
Advice for stimulation and growth
Your baby is at the perfect age to start stimulating his senses. How can you help? First by giving him toys that make sounds and give off light, and that react to your child’s actions. In this way, your baby begins to relate his actions with possible consequences.
During the baby’s fourth month, an important cognitive development takes place. Put him in front of the mirror and repeat his name and he will begin to understand the connection.
When he speaks to you, you should also respond because it encourages his ability to integrate with others. Also take him out for walks so that he gets to know the outside world.
It is also important that you talk to, sing to and read to him. Change your tone of voice so that he learns to interpret moods.
A highly recommended way for the baby to play during his fourth month is to lay him on his back and hold a colorful toy in front of him so that he has to move up or to one side to reach it.
The exercise has two basic benefits:
- It improves his flexibility and abdominal strength because he has to raise his arms against gravity.
- He develops visual, tactile and auditory abilities.
Other recommendations
As we often say, you should follow the vaccination plan to the letter.
Whether or not you should use a pacifier is a controversial topic. It has its benefits, as it reduces the baby’s anxiety, but it can also be counterproductive.
If you notice anything abnormal or if your child experiences any discomfort, you should contact your pediatrician immediately. Otherwise, just enjoy the baby’s fourth month!
