Developmental Milestones for 4 Months

Calms down when spoken to or picked up

Social/Emotional

Looks at your face

Social/Emotional

Seems happy to see you when you walk up to them

Social/Emotional

Smiles when you talk to or smile at them

Social/Emotional

Smiles on their own to get your attention

Social/Emotional

Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh

Social/Emotional

Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention

Social/Emotional

Makes sounds other than crying

Language/Communication

Reacts to loud sounds

Language/Communication

Makes sounds like 'oooo' and 'aahh' (cooing)

Language/Communication

Makes sounds back when you talk to them

Language/Communication

Turns head toward the sound of your voice

Language/Communication

Watches you as you move

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)

Looks at a toy for several seconds

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)

If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)

Looks at their hands with interest

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)

Holds head up when on tummy

Movement/Physical Development

Moves both arms and both legs

Movement/Physical Development

Opens hands briefly

Movement/Physical Development

Holds head steady without support when you are holding them

Movement/Physical Development

Holds a toy when you put it in their hand

Movement/Physical Development

Uses arm to swing at toys

Movement/Physical Development

Brings hands to mouth

Movement/Physical Development

Pushes up onto elbows or forearms when on tummy

Movement/Physical Development

Makes cooing sounds (oohs, aahs)

Communication

Turns head toward sounds or voices

Communication

Lifts head when on tummy

Gross Motor

Holds head upright when held at shoulder

Gross Motor

Holds a rattle when placed in hand

Fine Motor

Reaches for and grasps objects

Fine Motor

Follows a moving toy with eyes

Problem Solving

Looks at own hand or a toy for several seconds

Problem Solving

Smiles when talked to by a caregiver

Personal-Social

Smiles at own image in mirror

Personal-Social

Sitting without support — child sits up with head steady, without using arms or hands for balance

Gross Motor Milestones

Absorbs sounds and rhythms of language — the unconscious absorption of the 'mother tongue'

Language

Explores objects with mouth and hands — using senses to learn about the physical world

Sensory Refinement

Developing gross motor control — rolling, crawling, pulling up, driven to move the whole body

Movement

Shows sustained attention to an object or phenomenon — gazes at, reaches for, or manipulates something with focused interest

Investigation & Inquiry