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4 Month Online Milestone Checklist

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4-month old with his mother

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Check the milestones your child has reached by the end of 4 months by completing the checklist below. Share it with your child’s doctor, teacher, and other providers, and be sure to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

If your child was born more than 3 weeks prematurely, use his/her corrected age. If your child’s age falls between 2 checklist ages, use the checklist for the younger age.

Checking children’s development regularly is important. CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app is also available to complete the checklists, with reminders and helpful tips on the go!  Available on the AppStore and GooglePlay.

Your Baby at 4 Months

Milestones matter! Check the milestones your baby has reached by 4 months by completing the checklist below.

*These fields are required.


CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.

What Most Babies Do by this Age:

Social/Emotional

Smiles on his own to get your attention




Chuckles when you try to make him laugh




Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention




Language/Communication

Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)




Makes sounds back when you talk to him




Turns head towards the sound of your voice




Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

If hungry, opens mouth when he sees breast or bottle




Looks at her hands with interest




Movement/Physical Development

Holds head steady without support when you are holding him




Holds a toy when you put it in his hand




Uses his arm to swing at toys




Brings hands to mouth




Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy




Selected “not sure”?  Watch for these milestones over the next week or two.  Try some things with your child that gives him/her the chance to show the milestone.  If you’re still not seeing the milestone, see the steps below. 

Selected “not yet” or have other concerns or questions about your child’s development?  Talk with your child’s doctor, teacher and/or another trusted provider. Share the checklist and any questions or concerns you might have. Ask about developmental screening. It’s recommended for all children. If you, the doctor, teacher, or other provider is still concerned after screening, ask to be connected with (1) a specialist who can learn more about your child AND (2) with services and other supports that may help.  Visit www.cdc.gov/Concerned for more information.


– Share the checklist with your child’s healthcare provider, early educator, WIC Clinic, or other care providers by FORWARDING the email you receive.
– Be sure to add your child’s name and birthdate (if needed) when forwarding the checklist so your provider can identify it as your child’s.