Your Baby at 4 Months
Explore this age stage using information from approved sources and TalkPebble parent guidance.
About this age
This page brings together CDC developmental milestone information for around 4 months and TalkPebble ideas for everyday connection.
Developmental areas
Important: TalkPebble's milestone information is for educational and developmental monitoring purposes. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace standardized developmental screening or professional evaluation.
CDC-derived milestones
Social / Emotional
- Smiles on their own to get your attention
- Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh
- Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
Language / Communication
- Makes sounds like “oooo” or “aahh” (cooing)
- Makes sounds back when you talk
- Turns head toward the sound of your voice
Cognitive
- If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
- Looks at their hands with interest
Movement / Physical Development
- Holds head steady without support when being held
- Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
- Uses an arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows or forearms when on tummy
AYJNISHD reference
Listening & Speech
Listening and speech development builds over time. These observations from AYJNISHD describe examples of auditory responses and speech and language development across early childhood.
AYJNISHD reference: 3 to 6 months
Auditory Response
- Recognizes a mother’s voice and may calm when hearing it
- May smile when spoken to
- May pause play and seem to listen to pleasant or new sounds, such as a new toy
Speech & Language Development
- Babbles and repeats chains of sounds
- May respond to a mother’s voice with pleasurable sounds
Have concerns about listening or speech?
If you notice a persistent concern about your child's response to sounds or speech and language development, consider discussing it with a qualified healthcare or communication professional.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesReference source
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan)
Government of India
Auditory & Speech Milestones
View sourceTalkPebble guidance
Support for everyday moments
TalkPebble-created ideas for turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect.
What this can look like
- Your baby may coo after you speak or turn their head when they hear your voice nearby.
Try it at home
- Copy a coo or squeal, then wait for your baby to answer.
- During floor play, describe what your baby is looking at or reaching for.
What to say
- “I hear your ooo sound.”
- “You found your hands!”
- “There you are.”
What to notice
- Cooes or squeals
- Turns toward your voice
- Looks at your hands or face
- Makes another sound after you speak
Why it helps
Taking turns with sounds helps make everyday interaction feel shared and responsive.
Continue with TalkPebble
Find parent-friendly guidance and simple activities for everyday moments.
Have concerns about your child's development?
You know your child best. If you have concerns about your child's development, talk with your child's healthcare professional and ask about developmental screening.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesSource
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Milestones by 4 Months
View sourceDevelopmental milestone information is based on the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program. TalkPebble is not affiliated with or endorsed by the CDC.