Your 4-Month-Old Baby’s Development and Milestones
At 4 months old, your baby is entering an exciting stage of development marked by increased social interaction, improved motor skills, and a growing curiosity about the world. If you’re wondering what a 4-month-old should be doing, here are some common milestones:
Motor Skills. Holds head up, pushes up on elbows, brings hands to mouth, and may start to roll over.
Cognitive and Sensory. Watches faces, explores hands, tracks moving objects, and starts recognizing familiar people.
Communication. Coos, babbles (like "ahh" or "ba"), and turns toward voices.
Feeding. Eats about 24–36 ounces of breast milk or formula per day.
Diapering. Has several wet diapers daily and regular soft bowel movements.
Sleep. Sleeps 12–16 hours a day, including nighttime stretches and 3–4 hours of daytime sleep.
Health. Time for the 4-month check-up and vaccines like DTaP, Hib, Polio, Pneumococcal, and Rotavirus.
Every baby develops at their own pace, but understanding what’s typical at 4 months can help you feel more confident and know when to check in with your healthcare provider. In this guide, we’ll walk through each of these areas in more detail and offer tips for supporting your baby’s growth and routines.
Baby Development Milestones
Now that your little one is 4 months old, daily life may feel a bit more predictable as routines begin to settle. Still, your baby is likely keeping you on your toes—and that’s completely normal.
Around this age, your child is actively building on their motor skills. You may notice them trying to grasp objects, push up with more control during tummy time, or even start to roll over. Some babies can sit up briefly with support or bear a bit of weight when held upright. These early movements lay the foundation for future coordination and strength.
Want to keep track of your baby’s development this month? Download the free monthly milestone printable to celebrate the progress you're seeing, one adorable moment at a time.
If you're wondering where your little one falls on the average of the 4-month-old weight percentile chart, your baby’s healthcare provider can help interpret these numbers during regular checkups.
The focus is on long-term trends, not hitting one specific target. Also, don't be surprised if you notice signs of a 4-month growth spurt, such as increased appetite, fussiness, or brief sleep disruptions—these are completely normal and usually pass within a few days. Growth spurts are a natural part of development as your little one’s bones, muscles, and fat stores continue forming. They’re largely influenced by genetics, but things like diet, environmental factors, and pregnancy health can also play a role in how and when your baby grows
To get a clearer picture of your baby's growth pattern, your provider will likely use baby growth charts to monitor changes in both weight and length over time. Use our Growth Chart Calculator to get a better idea of how your little one’s size compares to averages.
Baby Growth Chart Calculator
Keep an eye on your baby’s average growth by tracking height, weight, and head circumference with our simple tool.
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*Input details of your baby’s last measurements. **Source: World Health Organization
Movement: Gross and Fine Motor Skills 4-Month-olds Develop
Your baby’s movements are becoming more deliberate as they begin to explore the world in new ways. Around this age, you might notice the development of key motor skills for a 4-month-old, such as reaching for toys, bringing their hands to their mouth, or holding onto objects with increasing control. These early 4-month-old fine motor skills often go hand-in-hand with improved vision and growing interest in everything around them.
Physically, your little one is also gaining strength. These early 4-month gross motor milestones might include lifting their chest during tummy time, holding their head up independently, and even beginning to roll over from one side to the other.
Here’s a quick look at what motor skills a 4-month-old should have or be working toward:
Holding their head up
Bringing hands to mouth
Sitting with support
Reaching for and grasping toys
Pushing up during tummy time
Starting to roll over.
Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one isn’t doing all of this just yet. Their healthcare provider will keep an eye on progress during checkups.
Cognitive Development and Eyesight of A 4-Month-old
Your little one’s world is literally coming into focus. Your 4-month-old’s eyesight is improving steadily, with sharper detail and better color perception. Many babies this age can recognize familiar faces across the room and easily track slow-moving objects with their eyes.
By 4 months, your baby is becoming more aware of the world and how they interact with it. You might notice them watching your face, responding to your voice, or smiling back when you smile—early signs of social and cognitive growth.
So, how far can a 4-month-old see? By now, their visual range may have increased to several feet—or even more—allowing them to follow movement across a room or notice you from a distance. Their 4-month-old vision also includes improved depth perception and the ability to notice contrast and brighter colors. You may observe that your baby is especially drawn to bold hues like red and blue.
Another source of endless visual fascination for your 4-month-old baby? Themselves! An unbreakable mirror is a great toy for infants this age, as they can see a wide range of colors and shapes, as well as their movements in their reflection.
Language skills are also beginning to emerge. Your baby may start to mimic the tone of your voice, and their cries might sound different depending on what they need. These early coos and babbles are the foundation for future speech.
Wondering when actual words might come? Learn more about when babies start talking.
Behavioral Changes in a 4-Month-old
At this stage, 4-month-old behavior changes may become more noticeable as your baby grows more aware of their surroundings. They may react to your tone of voice—calm tones can soothe them, while louder or sharper tones might signal distress. You may also hear your little one trying to mimic your voice through coos and babbles.
Babies under one year often express growth spurts through fussiness and periods of increased hunger. These moments can be challenging, so it helps to be patient and offer comfort as your baby adjusts to their rapidly developing body and brain.
Some babies are naturally more curious or expressive, while others may seem shy or more sensitive. If your baby appears overstimulated or quiet in new situations, that’s completely normal. Gently support them with extra cuddles and time to adjust.
Activities & Development Tips for Supporting Your 4-Month-Old
Looking for ideas on what to do with a 4-month-old? At this stage, your baby is becoming more aware, social, and curious, which makes it a great time to explore simple ways to play, connect, and support their development. Whether you’re building routines or looking for fresh inspiration, here are some engaging daily activities for a 4-month-old that also encourage growth.
To encourage visual development:
Hang a colorful mobile safely above the crib.
Let them marvel at their reflection in a mirror.
Play peekaboo to introduce object permanence—they love watching your face reappear!
To build muscle strength and motor control:
For a 4-month-old, tummy time may be daily. Wondering how much tummy time at 4 months? Aim for 2 to 3 times per day for a short 3 to 5 minutes.
Support them in a seated position so they can reach and explore.
Practice standing by gently pulling them up while holding them under their arms.
To support language development:
Talk, sing, and read throughout the day.
Mimic your baby’s sounds—and respond when they mimic yours.
Other simple activities for a 4-month-old can include:
Showing them safe household objects like a wooden spoon or plush toy to grab, which supports fine motor skills.
Gently swaying or dancing while holding your baby.
Letting them meet other babies and parents—just watch for signs that they may be overstimulated.
Curious about how to entertain a 4-month-old? Often, just being responsive and in sync with their mood offers the most valuable stimulation. These early interactions help your little one feel secure and strengthen your bond.
What “Should” a 4-Month-Old Be Doing?
At 4 months old, your little one’s growing curiosity and alertness make everyday moments feel more interactive and exciting. You may also be settling into a more predictable rhythm—whether it’s around feeding, naps, or play. As you get more familiar with your baby’s cues, it’s natural to wonder: What should a 4-month-old be doing?
While every baby develops at their own pace, many start showing signs of stronger movement, social engagement, and hand-eye coordination. Here's a quick look at a typical day for a 4-month-old, including sleep, feeding, diapering, and play highlights:
This day-in-the-life view can help set expectations, but remember, routines will vary from baby to baby. Focus on progress, not perfection, and talk to your baby’s healthcare provider if you ever have concerns.
How Much and How Often Should a 4-Month-Old Eat?
Your 4-month-old is growing fast, and all of their nutrition still comes from breast milk, formula, or both. If you’re wondering when it’s time to feed, just keep an eye out for common hunger cues like:
Licking their lips
Sucking on hands or knuckles
Sticking out their tongue
Acting fussy or restless.
So, how much should a 4-month-old eat? Most babies take about 4 to 6 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding, usually every 3 to 5 hours. This typically adds up to around five to seven feedings a day, though your little one might need more or less depending on the day.
Tracking how many ounces a 4-month-old should eat daily? A general range is 24 to 36 ounces per day, though this can vary. As long as your baby is gaining weight, producing wet diapers, and seems content after feeding, they’re likely getting what they need.
Want help building a feeding rhythm? Explore our baby feeding schedule to get a better sense of what a typical day might look like.
Teething at 4-Months-old
Can a 4-month-old be teething? Yes—it’s early, but not uncommon. While most babies start around 6 months, some begin showing signs of teething as early as 4 months old.
Drooling, chewing on hands, and fussiness may all be early clues. To soothe their teething, a chilled teething ring or a clean finger gently rubbed on the gums can offer relief. If you’re unsure whether it’s teething or something else, check with your little one’s healthcare provider.
Diapering and Pooping at 4-Months Old
By now, you’ve likely started noticing patterns in your little one’s diaper routine, but things can still vary day to day. So, how often should a 4-month-old poop? At 4 months, a baby should have several wet diapers a day and regular bowel movements, as long as the poop is soft. If it becomes hard, dry, or difficult to pass, let your healthcare provider know.
How Much Sleep Does a 4-Month-Old Baby Need?
Sleep at this age is starting to shift as your baby becomes more alert during the day. If you’re wondering how much sleep a 4-month-old should get, most babies this age sleep between 12 and 16 hours within 24 hours.
This often includes 3 to 4 hours of daytime sleep, split into two naps—usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon—so if you’re tracking how much daytime sleep for a 4-month-old, that’s a helpful range to aim for. At night, it may vary, but many babies sleep about 6 to 8 hours (sometimes with brief wakings for feeding or comfort).
A consistent evening routine may help ease bedtime transitions, especially now that your little one is more aware of their surroundings. Warm baths, gentle massage, soft music, feeding, or rocking may all be soothing ways to wind down. Around this stage, your little one might also go through the 4-month sleep regression—a normal, temporary phase where sleep becomes lighter and more disrupted due to brain and body development.
If sleep has suddenly become more challenging, you're not alone. This phase can make parents start thinking about long-term sleep habits. As your baby nears 5 months, you may begin considering sleep training—a gradual approach that helps babies learn to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep longer. Not sure where to start? The Smart Sleep Coach app offers a personalized plan, sleep tracking, and calming meditations—and you can begin by taking a free sleep readiness assessment.
Your Baby's Health
At 4 months, your baby may seem more alert and active, but it’s also a time when many parents start navigating minor illnesses or developmental health checks. Whether your baby is dealing with a stuffy nose or heading in for a 4-month checkup, here’s what to know:
The 4-Month Check-up and Vaccinations
At your baby’s 4-month check-up, their healthcare provider will check growth, review developmental milestones, and answer any questions you have about feeding, sleep, or behavior.
Your child will get most of their immunizations by their second birthday, and a good portion of these happen in the first year. Because infants are vulnerable to serious illnesses, following the recommended vaccine schedule from birth to 12 months is an important step in protecting your baby. This visit may also include the next round of 4-month vaccines. These 4-month-old immunizations help protect your little one from several serious illnesses.
Rotavirus (dose 2)
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis – dose 2)
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b – dose 2)
PCV (pneumococcal conjugate – dose 2)
IPV (inactivated poliovirus – dose 2).
These 4-month check-up vaccinations are part of the recommended immunization schedule and help keep your baby protected as they grow.
4-Month-old Milestones Checklist
Remember that every baby develops on their own timeline, but here are some common 4-month-old milestones many parents observe around this time. Use this checklist as a general guide to celebrate your little one’s progress and spot areas where they may need more support:
Holds head steady without support
Pushes up onto elbows during tummy time
Brings hands to mouth and reaches for toys
Starts to roll from tummy to back
Babbles and makes sounds like “ahh” or “ba”
Turns head toward voices or sounds
Tracks moving objects with eyes
Recognizes familiar faces from a distance
Expresses when they’re hungry
May show early signs of teething (drooling, chewing).
If you have any questions or concerns, your healthcare provider can offer guidance and reassurance.
To Do’s and Items You’ll Need This Month
Schedule and attend your baby’s 4-month checkup and ask about any upcoming vaccines. You can review the full immunization schedule here.
Before the visit, jot down any questions you have about feeding, sleep, growth, or behaviors. Be sure to mention any recent symptoms like fever, vomiting, rashes, or developmental concerns.
Curious about what’s ahead? Check out this guide to 5-month-old baby development.
Your little one is almost 5 months old! Celebrate a milestone moment by downloading these free printable keepsake cards for your next photo shoot.
A play mat and age-appropriate toys.
A few favorite baby books.
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FAQS AT A GLANCE
Most babies aren’t quite ready for solids yet. At 4 months, breast milk or formula still provides all the nutrition they need. Talk to your baby’s healthcare provider before introducing solids.
The Bottom Line
At 4 months, your little one is growing more curious, expressive, and responsive, turning everyday routines into shared moments of connection. From playful coos to stronger movements and deeper sleep stretches, this stage is full of discovery for both of you.
It’s also a time when questions come up: “Am I doing this right?” “What should a 4-month-old be doing?” You’re not alone in wondering. Keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace, and what matters most is progress over perfection. Lean on your healthcare provider when needed and know that small moments—like tummy time or storytime—go a long way in supporting your baby’s development.
As you continue to care for your little one, don’t forget to take care of the essentials too. The Pampers Rewards App makes it easier to save on diapers and wipes by offering personalized digital offers—because those daily choices matter, too.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.