Rolling is on the horizon and your baby's core is getting stronger with every wiggle and stretch.
These activities strengthen the trunk rotation needed for rolling, develop weight-bearing through arms, and encourage the mobility that leads to crawling.
Rolling from tummy to back is the headline milestone, but so much more is happening. Your baby pushes up on straight arms, reaches for toys with one hand while supporting with the other, and bears weight on their legs when held upright. Their core is strong and getting stronger.
Give your baby plenty of floor time to practice these emerging skills. A play mat with overhead toys encourages reaching; tummy time with a favorite toy just out of reach motivates rolling. Every practice session builds strength and confidence.
Rolling and weight-bearing at four months develop the core strength, balance, and motor planning that all future mobility depends on.
Mirror play is magic right now. Your baby loves looking at faces—especially their own. Prop a baby-safe mirror at tummy time for extra engagement.
Babbling is starting! When your baby coos, respond as if you're having a real conversation. This turn-taking teaches the rhythm of communication.
Rolling is on the horizon. Give plenty of floor time on a firm surface—a play mat, not a bouncer—to encourage those first rolls.
Strengthen your baby's neck and trunk muscles by gently lifting them in an airplane hold during tummy time — a playful way to build core strength.
Lay out different textured surfaces in a path for your baby to crawl across — a sensory-rich adventure that builds motor planning and exploration.
Set up a furniture path with interesting toys at each stop to encourage your baby to cruise along — a natural bridge to independent walking.
Stack soft blocks in front of your sitting baby and let them knock the tower over — a satisfying game that practices sitting balance and reaching.
Position your baby on their side with a rolled towel for support and encourage reaching for toys — a great way to build rolling skills.
Play a gentle tug-of-war with silky scarves to build your baby's grip strength and upper body coordination — a fun two-way game.