4 Months – I Can Roll!

Watch out! If not already, your baby is going to start rolling. She should have good head control and begin to reach for things she is looking at. This is a time when she is discovering how to interact with the environment. As you interact with her, she will learn to respond more and more. Very often, you will find she loves to smile, but she can also let you know if she unhappy! Enjoy this time, but be careful. Your baby is getting mobile, so never leave her on a high surface without at least one hand on her. Falls can happen in seconds!

Sleep and Daily routines:

Like so many other things, your baby needs to learn how to have regular sleeping habits and a daily routine. You can help your baby develop these habits by keeping to a schedule. Feed your baby regularly, but do not restrict his eating if he looks hungry at another time. Also, have regular nap times during the day and try to put him to bed at the same time every night. This helps your baby develop good sleeping habits and gives him a feeling of security. Your little one may be able to sleep around 5-6 hours in a row at night, but do not expect him to sleep 12 hours yet! He will get there, but not yet. One tip to teaching your baby how to go to sleep on his own is to not wait until he is fully asleep before you put him down for his nap. Put him down when he is drowsy, and let him go to sleep on his own. You will be grateful you developed this habit in your little one early!

Pacifiers:

Pacifiers are great for soothing a crying child. However, be certain that your baby is not actually hungry, and be careful that your baby is getting enough to eat. Always keep the pacifiers clean. They can be a very easy way to spread germs and diseases! A good tip is to keep several pacifiers handy so that if one drops you can offer a clean one until you have a chance to wash the old one.

Shaken baby prevention:

A child has never died from crying. Shaking your baby, even when it does not seem to be that hard to you, causes irreversible brain damage and even death. Every child will cry, some more than other. If you feel yourself losing control, you feel like screaming, or you are getting angry, this may be a sign you need a break. It is completely fine to put your baby in its crib or in a safe place and step away. Contact friends or family members when you need a break. Everyone needs time alone.

Emergency 911:

Remember, you can always call 911 for any emergency at any time!

Soon, if not already, your growing baby will start cooing to you as you interact with her. It is especially fun to get into the game and coo and make all sorts of baby sounds back! Not only will it be fun for everyone watching, but it also helps your baby develop the back-and-forth communication skills she will use when she starts talking. Continue with tummy time because this is a stage where her neck will get stronger. She is learning to control her head better. You will also notice your baby starting to put her hands in her mouth and even starting to be able to calm herself when she is upset. A good night’s sleep…not yet, but that is coming!

Passive smoke:

Second hand smoke is when your child is exposed to cigarette smoke. This includes being in the room with people smoking to simply being exposed to the smoke on a parent or guardian’s clothes. Exposing your child to second hand smoke increases the risks of ear infections, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma flares.

Sun Safety:

Try to avoid exposing your baby to the sun as much as possible. Sunscreen should not be applied to your baby until he is 6 months old. So, cover your little one with light-weight clothes or a thin blanket if you have to be in the sun. Be careful not to overheat your baby!

In/Out:

Your newborn should be eating every 2-3 hours. If you are formula feeding, he should eat about 2 ounces at every feed. He should have around 6 wet diapers a day and 1 dirty diaper. It is fine if your baby goes a couple of days without a stool so long as the stool is soft when it comes!

Bottle propping:

Do not prop the bottle while your baby eats. Hold him in your arms as you feed him. Pay attention for cues that your baby is full, is choking on the formula, or is uncomfortable in any way. Propping the bottle in your baby’s mouth instead of holding it yourself can cause choking and suffocation. It may also increase the chances of your child developing ear infections and tooth decay. Make feeding time a special time with your baby so that it will be an enjoyable time for you and your little one.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding without supplementing with formula is recommended for babies. Babies that breastfeed have stronger immune systems and may have a decreased risk of SIDS, allergies, eczema, and other infections. Breastfeeding provides your baby with the perfect mixture of nutrients to help your baby grow strong and healthy. There are many resources to assist you if you are struggling with breastfeeding. Please ask your health care provider if you have any questions regarding breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed, we want to support you in this.

Infant crying/what to do?

Crying is normal and healthy. It is your baby’s way of communicating needs and expressing himself. There are many tricks you can use to calm your baby. First, look for a reason your child may be crying: is she hungry, does her diaper need to be changed, is she overtired? When you are satisfied she does not have one of these problems, try ways to soothe your child. Try swaddling her by wrapping her with her arms at her sides in a blanket, try walking her, rocking her, talking gently to her, or offering a pacifier. Some babies are fussier than others are and that is just the way they are. Do not take it personally if your baby cries. There may come a time once you have tried all options and you are feeling yourself getting upset that you may need to simply put your baby down in a safe place like a crib and walk away for a couple minutes.

Shaken baby prevention:

A child has never died from crying. Shaking your baby, even when it does not seem to be that hard to you, causes irreversible brain damage and even death. Every child will cry, some more than others. If you feel yourself losing control, you feel like screaming, or you are getting angry, this may be a sign you need a break. It is completely fine to put your baby in its crib or in a safe place and step away. Contact friends or family members when you need a break. Everyone needs time alone.

Don’t try to be superwoman/superman!

Do you have people who can help you if you need it? If not, we can help you discover your resources. Please let us know if you are feeling overwhelmed so that you are struggling to care for your child. There are people who can help you, and you do not have to be alone. Examples of where you can find support are with: your family, your medical provider, friend, moral support system, clergy, support group, your place of worship, community, etc.

Congratulations on your new baby! Your baby is a miracle! A friend of mine once said, “Every new born baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.” Having a baby changes your life, forever! Here is some helpful information to help you get through those first days.

Infant bonding:

Take time to talk to, read to, sing to, cuddle with, and love on your new baby. It is important for your baby’s development as well as being a lot of fun. Try responding when your baby starts to make sounds, smile, or look at you. This encourages your little one’s development and can be a delightful game!

Supine sleep:

ALWAYS put your baby to sleep on her back in a safe place. Having your baby sleep on her back reduces the chances your baby could die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Remove all toys, fluffy blankets, and anything else that could become lodged against your baby’s face. Be careful not to bundle your baby tightly before bed, as this can cause overheating and restrict your baby’s breathing.

Car seat/rear facing:

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. Your new baby should always be in a rear-facing car seat until she is at least 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds. Never put your child in front of an airbag, especially the front passenger seat. The middle of the back seat is the safest spot for your baby.

Safe bathing/water temperature:

Until the umbilical cord has fallen off, you should only give your baby sponge baths. Even then, your little one only needs a bath about three times a week. Bathing more frequently can dry his sensitive skin. Never leave your baby unattended in water. Drowning can and does happen very fast and silently. You should adjust your water heater so that the hottest water from the faucet is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with this, be careful to test the water before placing your child in it to avoid severe burns. Your hand is not the best test for water temperature. Testing the water with the inside of your wrist will be more accurate.