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Development Your baby is developing very rapidly. He or she is learning memory, language, thinking and reasoning. Your baby is also developing bonds of love and trust with you. The way you cuddle, hold, and play with your baby sets the basis for how he or she will interact with others. By 4 months of age your baby should begin to: Develop a social smile Imitate some movements and facial expressions Watch people’s faces intently Turn toward sound Coo, babble, and laugh Gaze at and play with hands Explore using taste and touch Reach for, grab, and let go of objects and toys with either hand YOUR BABY AT 4 MONTHS Safety Considerations Your baby is now able to grab at things. It is important never to eat, drink, or carry anything hot while handling your baby. Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Now that your baby is moving more, it is very important to make sure that your baby is never left alone where he or she may fall. Move breakable objects away from places that your baby can easily reach. Keep electrical cords out of reach. Keep small objects away from your baby, as they can be a choking hazard. Revised 4/2014 … a childhood immunization project Aimed at a healthier community. IN COOPERATION WITH: Immunizations Due Second Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) Hepatitis B Second Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) Second Pneumococcal Second Polio Second Rotavirus All new mothers, household members, and childcare providers of a newborn should be vaccinated against influenza and Pertussis (Tdap). This will help protect the baby from these diseases. Speak with your physician or call the Cortland County Health Department at [PHONE REDACTED] about vaccination. If these immunizations are not fully covered by the person’s insurance, the Cortland County Health Department may be able to provide these at little to no cost. ---PAGE BREAK--- HELPFUL HINTS You may want to take this newsletter to your baby’s 4-month check up to use as a reminder list of immunizations that are due or topics that may need discussion. Continue to talk, read, sing, and play music to your baby. Your baby is beginning to listen, understand, and know people. This is key to language development. Repeat sounds your baby makes and have back and forth “conversations.” The best time to play with your baby is when he or she is relaxed. Watch your baby for signs of being tired or fussy, then take a break. Set up a bedtime routine. A routine will help your baby recognize it is time to go to sleep. It does not matter what your routine is, just that it be comforting, loving, and relaxing. Put your baby down when he or she is sleepy but not asleep. This will teach your baby to self-sooth and put him or herself to sleep. Older siblings often want to help. It is important to include older brothers and sisters in caring for your new baby. Show brothers and sisters how to care gently for your baby. Drooling is common at this age. It does not always mean that your baby is teething, but it sometimes causes rashes on the face and neck. Avoid plastic bibs that can cause irritation. Babies “mouth” objects at this age. Your baby learns by putting objects in his or her mouth. Never leave small objects within your baby’s reach. Keep toys and rattles as clean as possible. Some babies start their first solid food this month. Talk to your doctor before starting solid foods to be sure it is the right time. Do you need a service for your baby? If there is a service for your baby that you cannot find, call the New York State Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. Parenting is hard work. Remember to take time for yourself, eat right, and get plenty of rest. If you are frustrated and need help, call the Parent Help Line anytime at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. Someone will listen to you and give you information to help you. Health insurance is important for a healthy child. If you or your children are not insured, Family or Child Health Plus may be the answer. To apply call the official Health Plan Marketplace at 1-[PHONE REDACTED] or visit For in person assistance, visit website, click Get Help and Navigator locations. Developmental concerns. Parents know their children best and are in the best position to observe and report what their child is doing. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, contact your doctor or call the Cortland County Early Intervention Program at [PHONE REDACTED]. For more information about your child’s development, visit the following web sites: www.zerotothree.org or For more information about Cortland County Health Department programs, visit our website at: www.cchd.cortland-co.org Reproduction of this newsletter is not permitted without authorization from the Cortland County Health Department. Revised 04/2014