You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide

Baby is into her fourth month now.

Mom's milk is best.

Breast milk is still important and sufficient to take care of baby's needs. If you are a working mom you might need a combo of bottle and breast. Alternatively, you can express milk into a bottle for your baby's caregiver to feed her.

While feeding baby, do watch to see that the nipple and neck are always filled with formula, to avoid baby taking in too much air. And remember to burp her after every feed.

Some babies are ready for solid foods like cereal at this time. Babies at this age do not digest solids very well. Starting solids too early can leave insufficient room for the all- important food: milk.

You get more sleep

Baby begins to sleep less during the day (2-3 naps of an hour or so each) and more during the night, sometimes even 6 hours at a stretch.

Four-five-six.smiles and kicks

In baby's fourth month, he might begin to turn over onto his tummy. He has good control of his neck and can sit propped up. He can bear weight on his legs too. Colorful toys and rattles make him smile or reach out for them. He loves it when you imitate any sound he makes, smile and respond to his expressions.

Happy bath time.

Baby's bath time is real fun time for both of you. Talk to your four month-old baby while you bathe her and it will make her feel less insecure. Make sure her bathtub has a smooth, non-slippery surface. Have all necessary things at hand (soap, towels, fresh clothes/nappies) before you start.

Mummy! Do I still need this pacifier??

Baby explores things by putting them into her mouth, so you need to be careful about what is within her reach. Minimize use of the pacifier (if any). Use it only if you are sure baby is not crying for a particular reason. Never attach a pacifier to baby's clothes with a string.

Your four month-old baby might indulge in some thumb sucking. Some babies do it as a hunger cue and others to soothe themselves. You can allow her the comfort of her fingers or thumb. Rarely, baby may cut her first tooth.

I know you!

He recognizes familiar faces and will coo or respond in some way when he sees/hears mom and dad. He might move his arms to signal, "Pick me up." He tries to imitate sounds, loves being talked to, and spends time looking at objects he is holding. Taking baby around in a stroller is a wonderful way for him to socialize.

Doctor, doctor

Further doses of the triple antigen (DTP), oral polio drops, and hepatitis B shots will be given to baby. A regular well-baby examination will tell you if everything is fine with your four month-old baby. At the doctor's you will be surprised how your little one socializes with other children. Alternatively, of course, she could be put off by strange faces and begin to cry! Don't let that trouble you. Her little world is just beginning to widen.

Baby now has a distinct personality of her own, and this portends an exciting time for you.

* About the author *

This article has been provided by ParentingSurvivalGuide.com.

Please visit our web site at http://www.ParentingSurvivalGuide.com to discover more articles.

Copyright 2005 ParentingSurvivalGuide.com, all rights reserved.

This article may be freely republished for noncommercial use as long as the article, including the author information and this reprint policy statement, is republished in its entirety, unedited, and with all links working.

---

Quality Baby Strollers Should Last for Years

The baby carriage or buggy has come along way. Thanks to companies such as Cosco, Graco, Peg Perego, Evenflo, Century and Maclaren strollers have become an indispensable baby and toddler transport product.Find a... Read More

To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?

Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per the old tradition, the baby showers are "ladies only" celebrations and generally the dad did not attend them. However, he would arrive at... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler. At last count, I had found 35 different books for parents on potty training and I own most of those books. Based on... Read More

Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents. As parents you will have gone through intense birth process that is unlike anything else you have ever... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as the more experienced. Information is provided pertaining to when to plan the shower, who should give the shower and how to go about... Read More

Baby Furniture Essentials for Your New Baby

Baby furniture can be made up of many different pieces and often makes an ideal baby shower gift. With an endless variety of choices to choose from such as cribs and dressers or... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts. By necessity type baby gifts, I mean items which every expecting mother needs. These items are usually reasonably priced, and easy to find.These... Read More

Your Baby And Social Skills

Your baby's first year is filled with many challenges and new experiences for everyone in your family. One of the many things that your baby is going to be learning in his first... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments for both of you. You are adjusting to being a mother and caring for your baby and your baby is adjusting to life... Read More

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing a unique name. Those of us who grew up in the 70's and 80's undoubtedly knew multiple Jennifers, Amys, Michaels and Johns, and... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your life and one of the items you are considering is a stroller. Strollers come in various styles, features and brands. If you have... Read More

Should a Toddler Wear Pull-Ups While Potty Training

As a parent, you've learned a lot while your child moved from being an infant, to crawling, to the mobile stage of an active toddler. Now that they are older, and able to... Read More

Benefits of Making Your Own Homemade Baby Food

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what your child is eating is fresh, nutritious and free of additives. By making your own baby food, you'll be saving money. Also, you... Read More

Moses Baby Baskets

Moses Baby Baskets are a traditional, convenient place for babies especially for one who cannot sit up or cannot push itself up on its hands and knees. Modern moses baby baskets are distinct... Read More

The 7 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes That Parents Make

When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues, they can often feel helpless and alone. Although it seems like everyone has advice to give, it seems like nobody offers a definitive... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be it the baby's nursery or its stroller or its bedding, parents think it should reflect the personality of the baby. And for this,... Read More

Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child

It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that they lack competence in dealing with their autistic child. It can be strange and depressing to feel like your normal maternal or fatherly... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains the meaning and history of the 50 most popular baby names in the United States this year.25 Most Popular Names for BOYS1 (most... Read More

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with showing signs of potty training readiness and conclude with being able to use the toilet away from home.Signs of Readiness - The first... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on routine and order, which gives them the sense of security they need. They are usually even-tempered and self-contained. Capricorns can be strong-willed and... Read More

Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery. Most parents can get away with keeping their newborn in a bassinet for the first few weeks of life; eventually however, all parents... Read More

Scrapbooking the Dizzying Movies of Toddlers

Toddlers are highly energetic life forces. Between infancy and kindergarten school days, your toddler is often fully involved in massive actions and activities. Sometimes, your kid hardly let you slow down enough to... Read More

New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of baby this Spring, more often than not, they will not be sure what they will need as the dizzying array of options can... Read More

Baby Names - Unique or Common?

When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to fall into two broad categories: those who want a unique name for their child and those who feel fine selecting a common name.... Read More

Baby Products ? Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?

There are many essential baby products a new parent must purchase. Cribs, car seats, baby monitors, baby strollers, high chairs and clothing are all necessary to ensure your child's safety and comfort. However,... Read More

Baby Shower for Second Baby

Having a shower for second baby used to be considered greedy and unacceptable. But now it is not only acceptable, but it is actually necessary for some families to have a baby shower... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments of peace and quiet as well as much needed arm rest. A recent article (http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/parenting/02/23/baby.swings.dogs.ap/index.html) addresses valid concerns about dogs and... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and friends to celebrate the upcoming birth of a new baby. It is a great tradition around the world in many religions and ethnicities.With... Read More