Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Here's what you might notice your baby doing between the ages of 4 months and 6 months of age.

Daily Activities

• Is active, playful, and gregarious.
• Reaches and grasps some objects.
• Shakes rattle when placed in hand.
• Carefully studies objects placed in hand.
• Puts everything into mouth.
• Plays contentedly with fingers and hands.
• Usually sleeps through the night.
• Acknowledges bottle gleefully.
• Laughs and giggles while playing and socializing.
• Basks in attention.
• Just begins to realize objects exist even when out of sight.

Hearing

• Turns head purposefully in response to human voice.
• Smiles and coos when talked to.

Motor Skills

• Rolls from side to side.
• Holds up chest when lying on tummy.
• Supports head when held in sitting position.
• Sits with support for longer periods.
• Enjoys using the legs in kicking motions.

Vision

• Focuses clearly.
• Fascinated with mirror image.

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.