Your baby at 4-month-old may be slowly evolving to manifest his unique personality traits. By this time, you may also have concluded your post-pregnancy recovery. By now, you may be confident of understanding your baby’s needs a little better, of what makes him happy and how he likes things in general. Sleeping and feeding patterns may be beginning to form which helps you to predict your baby’s requirements and then accordingly provide with it. Some days this may seem easy while some days can prove no less than a challenge.
Your baby during this phase may display notable development. He may start to gain weight which implies that he is getting the required nourishment. The average height of 4 months old baby is usually 63.8 cm for boys and 62 cm for girls. The average weight generally figures at 7 kg for boys and 6.4 kg for girls.
Other prominent development may include developing a close vision and eye-hand coordination, rolling onto his sides, carry hands to mouth, shake toys when holding them in hands. Your baby may begin to give responses to affection like smiling at people or copy movement and facial expressions of others. He may start babbling and exhibit different emotions like being sad, happy or irritable.
How to Take Care of 4-Month-Old Baby?
With each passing day, you may be gaining more experience in taking care of four months old baby. Taking care of 16 weeks old can be a task at times. Here are a few useful tips for four-month baby care:
1. Feeding Your Baby
Your baby should be essentially on breast milk as breast milk provides complete nourishment. There is no hurry to introduce solids yet. It may be a good idea to introduce your baby to a bottle feed at this stage. You can put pumped up breast milk or infant formula in a bottle and try feeding your baby sometimes.
2. Sleeping Patterns
Try to work out a consistent routine for your baby’s naps and sleep timings for bedtime. You may like to avoid rocking your baby to sleep so that he can learn to relax on his own and fall asleep.
3. Prevent Falls
Your baby may be kicking, rolling onto his side or from the stomach to back. Make sure there are no objects around him that he may kick and hurt himself. Also always put pillows or cushions around your baby if leaving him alone for a while to safeguard him against any likely falls.
4. Immunisation
Remember to fix an appointment with the doctor for your baby’s scheduled vaccination. Try diverting your baby’s attention when he is getting a shot. Afterwards, you can soothe the baby by gently rocking or swaddling him. After the vaccination, your baby may become irritable or develop a mild fever. Talk to your doctor regarding these concerns and seek necessary guidance.
5. Dealing With Diaper Rash
You can prevent diaper rash by changing the diaper the moment it gets soiled, keeping the baby diaper free for some time every day and maintaining good hygiene. Bacteria multiply in moist places. Ensure the diaper area is clean and dry. Use a medicated baby safe diaper rash cream.
6. Massages
Indulge your baby in daily massage as it may help in developing baby’s back muscles, the formation of spine’s thoracic curvature and promote his overall growth. A gentle massage may not only calm your baby but can also help him to sleep well. It is also a wonderful way to express your affection and care and to bond with your baby. Avoid massaging your baby immediately after a meal.
7. Teething
Your baby may start teething during this phase. He may begin to drool a lot or chew on objects. He is also likely to put all the things he can lay his hands on into his mouth. So be careful with the toys you provide your baby with for playing lest they become choking hazards. You can also get your baby soft teething rings.
8. Car Safety
Always put your baby in an infant car seat carefully and place it in the back seat while travelling in a car. You should not leave your unaccompanied and unaided in the car.
When it comes to taking care of your baby, a mother’s instinct never fails. So, your instincts and subtle cues from your baby may guide you to care well for your baby. In case you feel that something is inappropriate never shy from seeking the advice of your doctor.
