Home stimulation for 4 Months old Baby

Sound producing toys are suitable for this age. Noisy toys/squeaky rubber toys etc. can be given.
Parents should spend more time with child, keep on talking with the child, pointing out the name of objects shown will help the child to use more words when he starts talking.

Hang brightly colored objects/ shiny mobiles about 12-15 inches above the crib, the will enable the child to watch it constantly and slowly starts to babble.
Maintain eye contact while talking with the child.
Show brightly colored clothes when the child is awake.

Give the child various things to bite and suck and paper to crumble.
Give your child the experiences of soft, hard, rough, cold, warm etc.
During daytime place the child on a foam rubber mats on the ground and allow him to move freely.

Always hold the baby at shoulder.
Child should be carried straight at shoulder with hand supported, on both sides (right and left) after the attainment of head control, he can be carried crossed astride the hips on both sides.
Place the child on his tummy, with both hands supported. Shake a sound making rattle in front of his head and gently lift the head and upper chest. Make sure that the baby is watching the rattle.
Rub small toys or rings across the palm of the baby’s hand to help him to grasp it. As he wraps his fingers around the toy, let him hold it. This will promote the child to grasp things.
Place things just out of reach of baby’s hands. Stimulate him to reach out and grasp it.
When talking the baby crossed astride the hip some babies have the tendency to turn their head towards one side only. Play with the child or show colorful toys or make noises from the opposite side. This will promote the child to turn head towards the desired side.

Take time for self, partner, maintain social contacts; spend time with other children.

Learn baby’s responses, temperament, likes/dislikes.

Put to sleep on back; don’t use loose, soft bedding.

Use quiet (reading, singing) and active (“tummy time”) playtime; provide safe opportunities to explore

Continue calming strategies when fussy.

Take time for self, partner, maintain social contacts; spend time with other children.

Learn baby’s responses, temperament, likes/dislikes.
Put to sleep on back; don’t use loose, soft bedding.
Use quiet (reading, singing) and active (“tummy time”) playtime; provide safe opportunities to explore.
Continue calming strategies when fussy.

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4-6 months is ideal.
Cereal can be introduced between 4-6 months, when child is developmentally ready.
If breastfeeding; recognize growth spurts; plan for safe pumping/storing of breast milk. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 hours and in a refrigerator for 24 hours.
If formula feeding; prepare/store formula safely; hold baby semi-upright; don’t prop bottle; no bottle in bed.
Don’t share or clean pacifier in your mouth; maintain good dental hygiene.

Use rear- facing car safety seat in back seat; never put baby in front seat of vehicle with passenger air bag.
Don’t leave baby alone in tub, high places (changing tables, beds, sofas); don’t use infant walker.
Avoid burn risk to baby (hot liquids, cooking, ironing and smoking).
Keep small objects, plastic bags away from baby.