Activities for a 4-month-old: play ideas and milestones

What can I do with my 4-month-old?

At 4 months, many babies chuckle, coo and start swiping at toys. Activities that let them reach, grab and 'talk' with you fit this stage well. These ideas come from the CDC:

• Follow the toy: with your baby on their back, move a brightly coloured toy slowly across and then up and down, and watch their eyes follow it
• Reach and grab: give them rattles or soft cloth books that small hands can hold easily
• Play peek-a-boo and watch for smiles
• Chat and pause: copy your baby's coos and see how long the conversation lasts
• Bounce gently: rest your baby's feet on your lap while you support them firmly under the arms
• Sing and move their arms and legs gently in a little exercise game
• Use your baby's name often
• Read a fabric or board book together at a quiet time

How much floor time does a 4-month-old need?

Give your baby time on the floor or a play mat every day so they can move and explore. WHO recommends babies are active several times a day, particularly through floor-based play, and that babies not yet moving about have at least 30 minutes of tummy time, spread across the day, while awake.

Lay your baby on their back so they can kick, and on their tummy so they can push up. Tummy time is always supervised. For sleep, the NHS says to lay babies down on their back every time, with their feet touching the bottom end of the cot.

Should I limit bouncers and baby seats?

Yes, keep them short. The NHS suggests walkers, bouncers and seats for no more than 20 minutes at a time, because long spells can delay sitting and walking. WHO advises babies are not strapped into a pram, high chair or carrier for more than 1 hour at a time.

What do most babies do by 4 months?

The CDC lists skills most babies show by about 4 months. These are typical ranges, not a test.

• Smiles unprompted to catch your eye
• Gives a little chuckle, rather than a proper laugh, when you play to make them giggle
• Uses looks, wriggles or noises to win your attention and hold on to it
• Coos with sounds like 'oooo' and 'aahh', and replies with noises when you chat
• Turns towards you when they hear your voice
• Opens their mouth at the sight of the breast or bottle when hungry
• Studies their own hands closely
• Keeps their head steady without needing support while you hold them
• Grips a toy you place in their hand, and swipes at toys with an arm
• Puts their hands to their mouth, and props up on elbows or forearms during tummy time

Is it safe for my 4-month-old to put toys in their mouth?

Yes, mouthing is how babies explore. Let your baby mouth safe objects, but avoid anything sharp, hot or small enough to choke on. A blanket on the floor with a few safe toys gives them space to reach, kick and explore.

The NHS advises putting little things like coins, buttons and bits that come off toys somewhere your baby cannot get to them, and keeping button batteries well away from small children.

When to talk to your health visitor

If your baby does not seem to hold their head steady when held, coo or make sounds back to you, turn towards your voice or bring their hands to their mouth, or you are worried for any reason, talk to your health visitor or GP. Babies develop at different speeds, and asking early is always fine.