How to Play With a 4-Month-Old Baby

Your 4-month-old baby has progressed significantly since birth, reaching exciting physical and social milestones. Your little one probably lights up with smiles and coos whenever she sees you, so it is enjoyable for both of you to interact together. Spend time playing with your 4-month-old baby to create pleasant memories and to cement the parent-child bond that will continue throughout a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand-held toys (rattles and teethers)
  • Shatterproof mirror
  • Lightweight blanket
  • Infant seat
  • Musical toys
  • Board books

Instructions

    • 1

      Show your little one an interesting toy by holding it in front of him so he can see it. Talk to your baby, saying his name, while you shake the toy to illicit an engaging noise. Offer the toy to your baby by moving it where he can reach for and grasp it. Your 4-month-old is ready to work on eye-hand coordination by seeing objects and reaching for them, according to the MedlinePlus website. When he grasps the toy, give him lots of encouragement and praise.

    • 2

      Place your baby in front of a shatterproof mirror where she can see herself. Allow her to explore her reflection and talk to her while she watches herself.

    • 3

      Spread the lightweight blanket on the floor and place your baby on his tummy on the blanket for tummy time. Stay with your little one and interact with him to supervise tummy time. Shake rattles, sing songs and talk to your baby to make tummy time enjoyable. Strive to provide a minimum of 20 minutes of tummy time every day, advises the Mayo Clinic website.

    • 4

      Play peek-a-boo with your baby. With your baby sitting in an infant seat, hold the lightweight blanket between you and your baby so he cannot see you. Move the blanket away suddenly and say ̶0;Peek-a-boo!̶1; It̵7;s likely that your little one will squeal with joy. Continue the game for as long as your baby enjoys it.

    • 5

      Incorporate music into your play. Use a musical mobile or other hand-held baby toys that make music, suggests the Fisher-Price website. Press the musical buttons as you play with your baby. Sing or hum along with the tunes to help your baby learn that music is enjoyable.

    • 6

      Talk to your little one regularly throughout the day. Whenever you discern that he is in a happy mood, look for ways to play, even for just a moment or two. Sing little songs, play ̶0;this little piggy̶1; with his toes or sit with him on your lap to read a short board book. Repeat the sounds your baby makes to have a ̶0;conversation̶1; with him.

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