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4-Month Well Child Check

Babies like to explore their environment which usually involves putting things in their mouths. Your baby is getting better at grabbing at toys and objects that he could choke on. You can help him by making sure all toys are too big to swallow and other small objects are out of reach. Learning CPR can help you save your baby if he chokes.
Now that your baby is rolling over, it’s even easier for him to fall off any elevated surface. Do not leave your baby alone on any elevated surface. Some babies learn to crawl as early as 6 months, which means they are more mobile and can get into more things. Be aware of stairways and other rooms in which your baby might get hurt.
Your baby has very sensitive skin and is prone to easy burns from hot liquids. Your baby can also get a sunburn. You should keep him out of direct sunlight and dress him in clothes that cover the body.
To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, you should continue to put your baby to sleep in his own bed on his back (Back to Sleep). You should avoid heavy blankets, stuffed animals and other objects that could suffocate your baby.
Babies should ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until they are 1-year-old AND 20 pounds. You should use the car seat every time he rides in the car.
Continue to always be with your baby when he is around water. Your baby will be starting to sit up better, but they always need an adult within arm’s reach. A child can drown in any amount of water.

Any smoke in the house is dangerous to a baby. We encourage all parents never to smoke around their baby, and to not to smoke at all for their own health.
Your baby’s sleeping patterns may become more regular at this point. He may still sleep up to 16 hours of the day, often with longer stretches through the night and with 3 naps.
Babies often start showing signs of teething around this age with drooling, gnawing on everything and fussiness. Many babies find relief from chewing on cold objects and teething rings, more so than teething gels. Pain medications may also be used.

Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for infants. Babies should feed on demand – meaning they should be fed when they are hungry. They should eat 4-6 times a day and may stop feeding during the night.
Your baby can probably take about 6-8 ounces of formula 4-6 times a day, and he likely will stop feeding during the night. Your baby will like to help you hold his bottle during feedings, but you should continue to hold your baby’s bottle and never “prop” the bottle.
Many parents like to start feeding infant cereals at this age. Infants should be able to sit relatively unsupported and have good oral-motor coordination to start solids. If this is true, we recommend starting with iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with water or breast milk. Remember that at this stage, the feeding is more for practice than for nutritional value. New foods should be introduced one at a time a few days apart.
Your baby doesn’t need any extra water, juice or sweeteners (such as honey or corn syrup) at this age.

Your baby has probably become quite social and likes to babble, laugh and “talk” with you. Having conversations with your baby will help them learn to talk. Imitate them and let them imitate you. He will also imitate gestures and facial expressions.
Reading to your baby will also help them learn to talk. Books can be a part of every activity throughout the day. It’s ok to read for very short periods of time, any time Choose books that have large, bright colored pictures. Describe what you see in the book, not just the words.
Your baby is getting stronger and able to push up on his arms and is working toward sitting on his own. You can continue to help him get stronger by letting him play and exercise in different positions.
He will start to grab at toys and bring his hands together to play. He will play with his hands and feet quite a bit, too. Continue to give him different objects to learn how they feel and work.

Next Visit – at 6 months of age