RECOGNITION, SMILES, AND GIGGLES
It’s “Gerber” baby time! Your baby recognizes you and shoots you smiles that sustain you all day long. Smiles and giggles become more frequent. The nervous system becomes enrobed in myelin, allowing your baby to handle changes in routine, abrupt sounds, smells, and events with less fussiness.
“LOOK MA, HANDS!”
Your baby will most certainly find his/her hands during this time, and soon you will see a reunion of sorts - her hands will find her mouth and the love affair that started in the close confines of the womb will continue! She will start grabbing at anything she can get her hands on. Time to get out the rattles and hand toys that are appropriate for her age. Time to pull back your hair in a pony tail and take off your necklaces and hoop earrings - her grasp is committed and strong!
FIRST STEP TOWARDS SELF-SOOTHING
Sucking is a primitive and necessary calming mechanism for a baby - if there is not a breast to suckle, a hand or fingers are the next best things! Don’t deny your baby this pleasure; it is the first step towards self-soothing! That ability to self soothe translates into longer periods of sleep and stretches where a baby can be entertained by her environment all by herself (rather than needing us 100%)!
MARKEDLY IMPROVED VISION
A baby’s vision during this time develops hugely. I like to think of a baby as Dorothy in
The Wizard of Oz: Prior to 4 months, her life was black and white, in the close confines of her house in Kansas. Suddenly she lands in Oz, the door to her new world opens, and off in the distance, glittering in full color, is her new world.
So as you witness your 4-month-old shuddering, vibrating, and becoming very excited at the sight of a bowl of lemons or a brightly colored object in the distance, don’t be surprised. Imagine that her visual perspective has grown from a small black and white TV to a 60” HD plasma screen! Her “rush” then makes sense!
STRENGTHENED BACK
Your baby’s improving motor skills are seen as her back becomes the next area of strength. Most 4-month-olds can sit with support, and will be able to raise themselves up on elbows during tummy time. Some very agile babies can even roll over during this time, but most just crane their necks and roll partially.
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