How to Stimulate a 4-Month-Old's Senses

It's not uncommon to wonder what exactly your baby is understanding about the world around her during her first few months. The first year of your baby's life is full of developmental milestones and new experiences for both you and her. Every month has a different set of milestones and her brain continues to tackle new tasks and take in new types of information. Once she hits 4 months old, she's really starting to recognize the people and environment around her. Her senses -- particularly vision and hearing -- are becoming more refined, as well. You can help stimulate her senses and develop her skills with one-on-one activities and playtime.

Things You'll Need

  • Mirror
  • Brightly colored toys or balls
  • Safe household items (spoons, lids, cups)

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a steady mirror in front of him to stimulate his now well-established close vision. At 4 months, he is able to recognize the faces of you and family members and other familiar people. His depth perception is also developing, as is his ability to keep eye contact. In front of a mirror, he's able to explore his face and interact with himself.

    • 2

      Place brightly colored toys or balls, ones that she can hold in her hand, directly in front of her -- within grabbing distance. At 4 months, she's developing her hand-eye coordination. Brightly colored toys can catch her eye and allow her to follow the item in her hands with her eyes; she'll also be able to see the toys in front of her, study them and then grab them with her hands.

    • 3

      Play peeka-boo with your face, body or even a toy. At this age, he's starting to focus on items and he is becoming able to grasp the idea that items are still there when they're out of sight; this is known as permanence. These hide-and-seek bouts of peeka-boo will stimulate his mind and his developing vision.

    • 4

      Imitate her subtle coos and other sounds. At 4 months, she's beginning to truly coo, laugh and make other noises. She's also beginning to decipher where noises come from.

    • 5

      Offer him toys or items that make distinctive noises. Make sure the items aren't too heavy for him to pick up and that they're safe. HealthyChildren.org suggests plastic or wooden spoons, container lids and cups.

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