4-Month-Old Baby Milestones: What to Expect

If you're a mom to a 4-month-old baby, you've surely experienced the following situation:

the kettle is boiling, you've been fantasizing about your coffee for two days, you're walking towards the cozy and inviting couch that beckons you, settling in and propping your feet up with a smile on your face, and then it happens, your baby wakes up in the other room... You glance at the clock and can't believe it! It's only been 20 minutes since she fell asleep, and now you can only continue to fantasize about the coffee that's cooling down in the living room, and again, you won't be able to drink it hot... From there, thoughts race to the long-awaited nap ritual that awaits you, which will include nursing again, soothing on the hands again, and attempts to lay her down without waking her up in the process... What changed in the past week? She's been sleeping for hours straight for 4 months and suddenly something happened…

So, what are the changes that a baby undergoes and how do they affect them and us so suddenly? Let's talk about it:

At 4 months old, the period of infancy is coming to an end. How does it manifest?

The baby's senses sharpen: they hear better, their vision improves, and they can see over longer distances.

The environment becomes very intriguing and interesting, resulting in feedings becoming challenging and less peaceful.

On the other hand, your baby needs to receive nutrition throughout the day, so we experience supplementary feedings at night.

Expanded Appetite:The bowel expands, causing the baby to need more food, which affects sleep.

We may see increased waking throughout the night.

Acquisition of new motor skills:

Our baby practices hand-eye coordination throughout the day and develops a desire to reach for objects in their space (reaching a hand towards a toy).

They practice stable prone lying, acquire good support on their forearms, and can thus see the world from new angles and heights.

Combined with improved distance vision, their mobility improves, and they start processing the information absorbed by their brain.

When does this happen? During the healing phase within the sleep cycle. At night.

Rolling over – many babies will start practicing flipping over at this stage. They may experience frustration when they fail to flip in a particular direction, for example, a baby who flips onto their stomach but can't flip back onto their back. This may have an impact on their sleep during the night, for the same reason they're not yet able to leave the position they've arrived at.

Cognitive leap: an understanding of body separation and the desire to reunite with us again are acquired and refined, as it was accustomed from the womb and in the fourth trimester outside the womb.

Language development: at this age, we can also experience the beginning stage of speech, where the baby starts cooing sweetly, experimenting with producing different sounds, and examining the environment's reaction to these sounds.

They really start babbling.

In conclusion, around 4 months, we don't experience a 'regression' as many tend to think.

Though we may experience 'the worst' under the conditions, supposedly, for the baby, it's a Progression!

How can we help our baby?

supporting Independent Sleeping and Establishing a Age-Appropriate Day Routine

Encouraging independent sleeping and establishing a consistent daily routine are crucial steps in nurturing your baby's development and ensuring they get the rest they need.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:

1. Create a Calm Sleep Environment: Set the stage for successful sleep by creating a soothing sleep environment. Consider factors such as room temperature, lighting, and noise levels. Many babies find comfort in a dark room.

2. Establish a Bedtime Routine: A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This might include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, bedtime story, or lullabies. Keep the routine calm and predictable to help your baby relax.

3. Encourage Self-Soothing: Teach your baby how to self-soothe by allowing them opportunities to fall asleep on their own. This might involve placing them in their crib when they are still awake,if they cry give gentle reassurance and comfort to help them feel secure as they learn this skill.

4. Establish Age-Appropriate Daytime Routines: Pay attention to your baby's cues and establish a daytime routine that meets their needs. This might include regular feeding times, playtime, and naps. Aim for a balance of activity and rest throughout the day to prevent overstimulation and ensure your baby isn't going to sleep overtired.

5. Monitor Sleep Patterns: Keep track of your baby's sleep patterns and adjust their routine as needed. Look for signs of tiredness, such as red eyebrows, rubbing their eyes or becoming fussy, and aim to put them down for naps before they become overtired. Consistency is key, so try to stick to your established routine as much as possible.

6. Seek Professional Support if Needed: If you're struggling to establish healthy sleep habits or have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns, don't hesitate to seek support from a sleep consultant. They can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your baby's unique needs.