3-4 months: baby development

Parenting a four month old

As your baby grows and develops, you will learn more about wat she needs and how you can meet these needs. It's ok to be confident with you know. Looking after yourself gives you understanding, patience, imagination and energy you need to be a parent.

Helping baby development at 3-4 months

Play together: sing songs, read books, play with toys, do tummy time and make funny sounds together- your baby will love it! Smile at your baby: when your baby sees you smile, it releases natural chemicals in her body that makes her feel happy and safe. Talk to your baby and listen to her reply: this helps your baby learn about language and communication. Find a routine when it feels right for you and your baby, it can help to do things in a similar order each day- for example feed play sleep. Prepare your home for a moving baby: it's a good idea to look for how you can make your home safe for your baby to move about in.

When to be concerned about baby development

See your child's doctor if your four month old is crying a lot and it's worrying you. She isn't making eye contact with you or isn't paying attention to faces. He crosses his eyes most of the time and doesn't follow moving objects with his eyes. Your baby isn't making any sounds or responding to any noises. Your child isn't lifting his head and can't control his head while sitting. She isn't reaching or grasping for toys. He keeps his hands in a fist most of the time.

Only note

You will be surprise at how your baby can roll, and how your baby can reach, so always watch your baby. It doesn't take long for baby to expectedly roll into or reach for something that puts her in danger.

Baby development at 3-4 months: what's happening

Your baby is busy learning about emotions and communication. Your baby is starting to show more emotions and might laugh out loud, smile when he sees and hears things he likes , and say things like ah- goo. Any extra crying and fussing usually settles around 12-16 weeks. Reaching out to grab things - like rings or rattles, or put things in her mouth are some of the ways your baby learns about the world around her. And that your baby is using his hands more, he might stare at them in wonder and amazement. When you hold your baby or help her to sit up, you might notice she has more control of her head movements and might need less support. Around this age your baby loves to move and is probably start rolling from tummy to back.