You’ve given birth to your little one, and it’s been 3 months, now entering the 4th one. If you’re excited just seeing your baby stare curiously at you, you’ll be glad to know that this is a ripe time for learning. The correct activities and teaching methods will skyrocket your baby’s cognitive, emotional and physical development, but first, let’s see what your baby can do at this point in time and also know some activities you could do with your 4-month-old baby.
If you’re wondering what your little one is capable of doing at this phase of time, here’s what you must know –
Facial Expressions: Your little one is able to identify the faces of his caregivers, including yours. They can also gauge expressions.
Colors: He can differentiate between bright shades of colour such as orange and red. Bright colours will charm your little one at this point.
Rolling Around: All that crawling transitions into rolling around this phase. Your baby will be getting plenty of tummy time and explore his surroundings, shapes, colours, touch, and textures.
Social Bugs: Your baby’s babbling will improve as he learns new words and syllables. You may find yourself dealing with a chatty critter, and that’s a good thing.
Reading is a fun activity that boosts your little one’s imagination and vocabulary. It’s never too early to read to a child, and here’s what you must know.
Skill Development: Cognitive
What You Will Require: Well-illustrated picture books
How to Do It:
Talking to your babbling baby is one of the best surefire ways to help him learn the nuances of language and master babbling better. Here’s how you can do it.
Skill Development: Cognitive And Motor Skill Development
What You Will Require: Some lone time with your little one (a few minutes)
How to Do It:
Letting your four-month-old play with colourful toys on a play mat is a great way to introduce him to the world of textures. The baby will touch all his toys and even be introduced to the cause of his actions. For example, he will know that an object goes far away when he throws it away.
Skill Development: Sensory development and understanding of cause and effect
What You Will Require: A few toys or household objects
How to Do It:
Looking at himself by staring at the mirror has an appealing charm and joy very few can explain.
Skill Development: Social and motor skills.
What You Will Require: A mirror at her eye level which is unbreakable.
How to Do It:
Maybe it’s finally time for your little one to branch out and try exercising those arms and legs a bit more. If you notice your little one getting energetic, then it’s time to put that energy to good use.
Skill Development: Cognitive and motor skills development.
What You Will Require: Some space and time.
How to Do It:
Your little one will have tons of fun playing the bubble game. Here’s how you do it.
Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, cognitive development
What You Will Require: A bubble blower and soapy Water
How to Do It:
Remember the “Row Row Row Your Boat” nursery rhyme? Well, it’s time to put it in action!
Skill Development: Gross Motor Skills
What You Will Require: Some pillows for cushioning the back and a few minutes to spare
How to Do It:
You are your baby’s favourite singer, and singing is an awesome way to boost their cognitive and social skills. Children connect with music way better than language. Thus, this activity is sure to hold her attention and inculcate a sense of bonding in your little one.
Skill Development: Cognitive and Social skill development
What You Will Require: A few minutes with your baby
How to Do It:
Rolling the ball will show your baby the true meaning of cause and effect. They’ll be gawking at how a simple ball can roll over like that and wonder about it.
Skill Development: Sensory skills, cause and effect understanding, motor skills.
What You Will Require: Softballs of different colours and textures.
How to Do It:
A playdate encourages your little one to interact with other babies and socialise. Making friends will help develop his brain really fast, and he will also have fun playing with more kids.
Skill Development: Cognitive and social skill development
What You Will Require: A few friends in your baby’s age group and some free time
How to Do It:
As your baby is getting a hand of new things around him, he starts using his sensory organs. This activity is perfect to encourage your baby to use his proprioceptive sense.
Skill Development: Proprioceptive position sense,
What You Will Require: A bottle with some glycerine, water, and glitter in it.
How to Do It:
If you notice your little one lagging behind or taking some extra time to learn new things, do not fret. Not every baby is the same, and everyone develops at a different pace. Be gentle, be kind and give plenty of time and room for your child’s development. The important thing is to keep exposing your baby to different developmental activities and letting him have fun since that’s what speeds up cognitive, emotional and social growth.