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Infant development: What happens from 4 to 6 months?

Promoting your baby's development

At this age, learning and play are inseparable. But it doesn't take expensive educational toys or intense effort to capture your baby's attention. Consider these simple ideas to promote infant development.

  • Talk to your baby. Your baby may be too young to understand specific words, but easy conversation can lay the groundwork for language development. Your tone of voice can communicate ideas and emotions as well. Ask questions and respond to your baby's coos and gurgles. Describe what you see, hear and smell around the house, outdoors, and when you're out and about. Use simple words that apply to your baby's everyday life.
  • Change positions. Lay your baby on his or her tummy for a few minutes, as long as an attentive adult supervises. Hold a colorful toy or make an interesting noise to encourage your baby to pick up his or her head or practice rolling over. Hold your baby's hands while he or she is lying down and say, "Are you ready to stand up? Here we go!" Count to three as you gently pull your baby to a standing position. When your baby's ready, try a sitting position. Hold your baby or use pillows for support.
  • Offer simple toys. Babies this age often enjoy colorful toys, especially those that make sounds. Try a musical toy, a small rattle with a handle, a soft doll or a sturdy book. Household items such as plastic bowls and measuring cups may be a hit as well. Avoid toys with small detachable parts. To help your baby focus, put out only one or two toys at a time. Place one toy slightly out of reach to encourage your baby to stretch and creep. Shake a rattle behind your baby's head and let him or her turn and grab it.
  • Read to your baby. Your baby won't grasp the plot, but that's OK. Reading to a baby promotes speech and thought development. Your baby will soak in your words and may even mimic the sounds you make. Start with books featuring large, brightly colored pictures. Describe what's happening on each page. Point to and name common objects.
  • Play favorite games. Cover your face with your hands, then remove your hands and say, "Peekaboo, I see you!" Play patty-cake. Ask, "Where are your toes?" Then touch your child's toes and say, "Here are your toes!" Hide one of your baby's toys with the corner of a blanket and encourage him or her to find it.
  • Take time to cuddle. Balance stimulation with plenty of quiet time. Gentle caresses and tender kisses can help your baby feel safe, secure and loved. When you hold or rock your baby, talk quietly or sing lullabies or other soothing songs.
  • Turn on the tunes. Music can help soothe, entertain and teach your baby. Try calming lullabies, upbeat children's songs, classical music or your own favorites.
  • Let your baby set the pace. When your baby turns away, closes his or her eyes, or gets fussy, take a break. Even babies need their space. Responding to your baby's needs will help you continue to build your baby's trust in you.

When something's not right

Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal, and usually no cause for concern. But it's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs.

Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or your baby:

  • Has stiff or tight muscles
  • Seems extremely floppy
  • Uses only one side of the body or favors a particular arm or leg
  • Hasn't shown any improvement in head control
  • Doesn't respond to sounds or visual cues, such as loud noises or bright lights
  • Resists eye contact
  • Doesn't reach for objects or put objects in his or her mouth
  • Doesn't attempt to roll over or sit

Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Above all, delight in your baby's discoveries and abilities.

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References
  1. Everyday ways to support your baby's and toddler's early learning. Zero to Three. http://www.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/early_learning_handout.pdf?docID=3081&AddInterest=1153. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  2. Development through your child's eyes: Birth to 8 months. Zero to Three. http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_key_childdevt_devt08&AddInterest=1153. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  3. A child becomes a reader: Proven ideas from research for parents. National Institute for Literacy. http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/pdf/low_res_child_reader_B-K.pdf. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  4. Child development: Infants (0-1 year old). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/child/infants.htm. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  5. Parenting corner Q&A: Developmental milestones. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BK0_DevMile_7Mos.htm. Accessed March 2, 2009.
  6. Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 4th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2004:201.

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June 17, 2009

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