4 Month Old Developmental Milestones
By 4 months, babies smile on their own to get your attention, coo, make sounds back when you talk to them, and hold their head steady when held. Here are the milestones most babies reach by 4 months.
What most children do by 4 Months
- Smiles on their own to get your attention
- Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh
- Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
- Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
- Makes sounds back when you talk to them
- Turns head towards the sound of your voice
- If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
- Looks at their hands with interest
- Holds head steady without support when you are holding them
- Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
- Uses their arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
Talk to your doctor right away if your child:
- Loses skills they once had (for example, words or social smiles)
- Doesn't respond to their name or make eye contact
- Isn't babbling, pointing, or using gestures by 12 months
- Isn't saying single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
- Has trouble with feeding, swallowing, or muscle stiffness/floppiness
Trust your instincts — you know your child best. Acting early makes a real difference.
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Milestones are based on the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program. Every child develops at their own pace. EarlyBegin helps you know what to do next — it doesn't diagnose or give medical advice. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.