During the fourth month of development, the baby begins to give signs of recognition when their parents enter a room. The baby may start making eye contact with those around him or her, and he or she will begin to show a preference for certain people, like family members, over strangers.
A baby's sense of touch also develops this month. Skin-to-skin contact is important for developing a close bond with your newborn. Parents can also engage their infant's senses by providing tactile materials like felt, terry cloth, and fur to stimulate the sense of touch. It is important to choose soft materials and to make sure that all materials are safe for the baby, who will likely to try to put everything in his or her mouth.
A four-month-old is also becoming more curious. To foster this curiosity, try placing your infant in front of a mirror. The baby will not yet be able to recognize his or her own reflection, but he or she will still be fascinated at the image presented in front of him or her.
Motor skills are also developing. By the end of the fourth month, the baby should be able to lift up his or her head and shoulders when placed on his or her stomach. Some babies will even begin to roll over. It is important to encourage these steps and to continue to provide the baby with enough tummy time.
For the new parents, the fourth month means separation anxiety as they return to work. It can also lead to changing friendships, as childless couples are unable to understand all of their new parenting responsibilities.
Joseph has been writing articles online for nearly 5 years now. Along with being a proud father, he enjoys writing articles about families and gardening, check out one of his favorite web sites Garden Harvest Supply which offers tomato plants for sale. They have a good selection of heirloom tomato plants.
