4 months old

Play

How to engage your 4-month-old:

At this point it might be hard to remember why your newborn was so fascinating just lying there, gurgling. The older your baby gets, the more fun you’ll start to have – especially when you can get a big belly laugh from a simple game of peek-a-boo. Play isn’t anything fancy at this age – don’t feel pressure about getting the right toy or going to the right class. Remember, you are still your baby’s favorite plaything and simple interactions between you two are the most powerful.

• Many four month olds are starting to be enthralled with their surroundings – bells, barks and babies are all fascinating and distracting. The good news is that your baby might be occupied with a simple rattle, mirror or textured piece of cloth without you having to constantly entertain them.
• Keep in mind that no matter what you put in front of your baby, it will most likely go in his or her mouth. Make sure to regularly clean all of your baby’s toys now more than ever.
• Explore different textures, shapes, sizes and sounds. Have them pull levers, squeeze balls and pet stuffed animals. This is also a great time to break out all of your previously useless rattles. For the best toys by age for babies, refer to our checklist.
• Also expose your little one to an array of colors now that he or she can distinguish between different shades rather than a variation of blacks and whites.
• Many parents go nuts over silly faces, outrageous voices and slapstick actions – all in the hopes of a heartwarming laugh. But it’s usually the things you never expect – like sweeping with a broom or plopping on a bed – that ignites that precious sound.
• Plus, your four-month-old will still love all three-month-old games you played last month.
  • Talking, imitating sounds and including your baby in conversations. Ask questions and pretend to listen for an answer.
  • Skin-to-skin touching and massaging.
  • Tummy time.
  • Gently bouncing, swinging and dancing.