4 month old baby milestones
4-Month-Old Baby Milestones: Laughing, Reaching and Stronger Head Control
Around four months, many babies smile to gain attention, chuckle, make cooing sounds, turn toward a voice, hold the head steadier and bring their hands to their mouth.
Reviewed and updated:
Connection and communication
- Smiles to get or keep a caregiver’s attention
- Chuckles when someone tries to make them laugh
- Looks at, moves or makes sounds to keep interaction going
- Makes cooing sounds and answers when spoken to
- Turns the head toward the sound of a familiar voice
Hands, head and body
- Holds the head steadier when supported
- Brings hands to the mouth
- Swings an arm toward a toy
- Pushes onto forearms during tummy time
- Holds a toy placed in the hand
Play that follows your baby
Place one safe, easy-to-grasp toy within reach and give your baby time to look and try. Copy their sounds, sing slowly and name what they are watching. Floor time gives the body more freedom than long periods in seats or carriers.
A reason to ask, not to panic
Common questions
Should a four-month-old sit without support?
No. Independent sitting usually comes later. At four months, focus on safe floor play and head and trunk control rather than propping a baby into a position they cannot maintain.
Is rolling required at four months?
Some babies begin rolling, but it is not the only measure of development. Once any attempt to roll appears, stop swaddling and keep changing surfaces safe.