Baby - Fourth Month

'Development - Fourth Month'

What your baby does at this age:	Holds onto an object placed in her hand. Can reach for objects, but often overshoots her mark. May roll over by herself. Sits up with support and holds her head erect. Smacks and pouts her lips. Recognizes different people in the household and respond to them. Smiles openly and laughs while socializing, often interacting for an hour or more at a strech. Enjoys play, games, and toys. May sleep through the night, with naps during the day.
Important Changes:	Your baby's first teeth are getting ready to come through. The first tooth may make appearance this month. Your baby's vision has developed so she's able to see things in color and can focus her eyes to different distances. She can track movement smoothly. Your baby's hearing is reaching ful development, so she's interested in the different sounds she hears, as well as those she makes herself. Your baby's body is filling out to pleasing proportions as her muscles grow and strengthen. Her hands and finger coordination is improving rapidly. She's learning to make her hands do what she wants them to.
Caring for your baby:	Check playthings for safety. Be sure metal squeakers on squeeze toys can't come loose, and plastic eyes can't be pulled off stuffed animals. Beware of any items your baby could put in her mouth and choke on. If your baby uses a pacifier, don't put it on a string around her neck. It could choke her. If you baby starts teething this month, keep teething rings in the refrigerator to relieve any discomfort she may have. As soon as she warms one up in her mouth, give her another. Take your baby to the doctor for her second series of immunizations and well-baby check.