At 4 months old, your baby is starting to show off more personality, strength, and curiosity about the world. These 4 month developmental milestones give parents helpful clues about how their baby is growing. While every baby develops at their own pace, knowing what’s typical can give you peace of mind – or help you spot concerns early.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that most babies hit certain milestones around this age. These signs are grouped into physical, social, cognitive, and communication skills.
Let’s walk through what you can expect.
Cognitive Development: Learning and Exploring
At 4 months, your baby’s brain is busy processing the world. They begin to:
- Show curiosity by watching toys move
- Try to reach for items (even if they miss)
- Recognize familiar people from a distance
According to the CDC, around 75% of babies are able to track moving objects with their eyes by this age. Check the Key milestones your baby reaches at 2 months.
Social and Emotional Milestones
Your baby may now:
- Smile when they see you
- Enjoy playing with people
- Cry in different ways to show hunger, boredom, or discomfort
These early signs of connection are key to bonding and emotional development.
Communication: Sounds and Reactions
Communication isn’t just about talking – it’s about interaction. At 4 months, babies:
- Coo, gurgle, and babble
- Turn their head toward voices or sounds
- Start to imitate facial expressions and sounds
Research from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association shows most babies begin to babble between 4 to 6 months.
Physical and Motor Skills
You’ll likely notice your baby becoming stronger and more mobile. Typical 4-month-old developmental milestones in this area include:
- Holding their head up steadily without support
- Pushing down on their legs when their feet are on a hard surface
- Rolling from tummy to back
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Holding and shaking a toy
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 90% of babies can hold their head steady by 4 months.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every baby develops at their own pace. However, it’s important to reach out to your pediatrician if you notice signs of delay. One example:
If your 4-month-old isn’t responding to loud sounds or doesn’t smile at people, it could be a sign of a hearing or developmental issue.
Early intervention can make a big difference in your child’s long-term development. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, speak up.
Delays in reaching early milestones may later influence school readiness. Read more in our guide: How Developmental Delay Impacts School Readiness and Academic Success.
Tips to Support Development
Help your baby thrive with these simple strategies:
- Give your baby plenty of tummy time
- Talk, sing, and read to them every day
- Offer colorful, safe toys to hold and explore
- Make eye contact and mimic their sounds
These everyday moments build a strong foundation for learning and emotional connection.
Understanding 4-month developmental milestones and developmental delay in babies helps you track your baby’s growth and catch any concerns early. Celebrate the small wins and remember: no two babies are exactly alike. Stay curious, stay connected – and enjoy every coo, smile, and tiny milestone along the way.
