How to Stimulate a 4-Month-Old's Physical Development

Your 4-month-old has changed dramatically since her birth. She may be rolling over, can likely hold up her head on her own and may even be grabbing for toys. Witnessing your wee one's physical development during this time is like watching a movie set to fast forward; each day it may seem as if she is working to accomplish a new feat.

Things You'll Need

  • Play mat
  • Age appropriate toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Make time for the tummy. Each day, place your pewee on her stomach to play. As KidsHealth.org notes, and as you will see, a 4-month-old baby when placed on her stomach will work to lift her head and neck and eventually her entire upper body. Strength and flexibility are very important physical abilities for baby to develop as she works toward future milestones like sitting up and crawling.

    • 2

      Help baby prepare for sitting. HealthyChildren.org recommends that parents stimulate baby's ability to control head and neck movement by placing her on her stomach and shaking a toy in front of her so she looks up. Try moving the toy up and down and back and forth so she can follow it with her eyes, thereby moving her head and neck. After all, she is preparing to sit up, which requires head and neck strength.

    • 3

      Give baby space to play. During time spent on her back playing and interacting with you, you may see her starting to roll over. You can encourage this milestone by shaking a toy on one side of her head. She will look over to see and hear it, twisting her head, neck and upper back. Eventually that curious look will turn into a full-fledged roll.

    • 4

      Encourage baby to reach for the stars -- or the little elephants or dangling rings, depending on the toy your tot is trying to grasp. One way to help your honey develop hand eye coordination and fine motor skills is to place her on her back on a play mat with toys hanging overhead. She will work to tell her hand to grab the toy; it's amazing to watch.

    • 5

      Allow baby to grasp and hold age appropriate toys. Baby is loving that she can hold objects in her little hands so help her work to improve her grip. As HealthyChildren.org notes, however, your 4-month-old is apt to put anything in her hand right in her mouth. Be sure to keep small objects, which pose a choking hazard, in safe places where baby can't reach them.

    • 6

      Help baby take a stand. As KidsHealth.org notes, baby is gaining leg strength in preparation for standing up in the coming months. Stimulate your sweetie's ability to support her own body weight by grasping her under her arms and letting her bounce on your lap and practice her, albeit wobbly, standing.

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