Tips & Advice on Baby Care for Your Baby at 4 Months Old

It's month four, and your baby may be getting to be a real comedian. By the end of the month, she may be laughing out loud and cracking herself up. And you'll probably laugh right along with her! Try imitating her, and talking right back to her — it's a conversation only you and she can understand. Also this month, learn how to:

• Help Her Develop Language Skills
• Get the Baby Vaccinations She Needs
• 4-Month-Old Sleeping Patterns

Helping Your Baby Develop Language Skills

Your baby is probably jabbering for a reason, even if you don't know what it is. Other ways to help your baby develop language skills and understanding include:

• Talk to your baby often as you dress, feed, or bathe her.
• Provide quiet time (turning off the radio and TV).
• Encourage your baby to turn her head toward sounds.
• Repeat sounds often and trying to get your baby to mimic them back to you.

Keeping Her Healthy: Baby Vaccinations

Well-baby visits to the pediatrician are probably part of your monthly routine by now. These visits are important for you and your baby because:

• They're your opportunity to make sure your baby is growing and developing properly, and to ask any questions you may have.
• They're the time when your baby will get the immunizations she needs (and make up any she may have missed).

It's true that childhood diseases have been dramatically reduced through regular vaccinations. But the organisms that cause some of these diseases haven't disappeared. Regular vaccinations are still the only way to protect your baby — now and for years to come — so be sure to get your baby immunized to help keep her healthy.

4-Month-Old Sleeping Patterns

You've probably been told many times that babies should sleep on their backs. But now that your baby is rolling over on her own, you can't control her sleeping position. Here are some suggestions:

• It's probably OK to let her sleep in whatever position she finds most comfortable. Once a baby can roll over on her own, generally between 4 and 7 months of age, the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is usually reduced.
• It's still a good idea to keep thick blankets, comforters, pillows, and large, soft, stuffed toys out of your baby's crib.