At 4 months old, babies are growing more alert and expressive. They are starting to recognize familiar objects and people from a distance and are responsive to love and affection. Here are some developmental milestones that a 4-month-old baby may reach:

• Physical Development: By this age, a baby can raise up on their arms when placed on their tummy and keep their head level when propped in a sitting position. They can also roll over, though if they have had little in the way of tummy time, they may reach this milestone later. They can hold their head steady without support when you are holding them.

• Motor Skills: Babies at this age are working on strengthening their back and chest muscles and are also working on holding their head up while on their tummy. They are busy honing their newfound motor skills and will eventually be fully able to grasp things, roll over, and sit up on their own.

• Communication: Babies at this age are starting to discover themselves as unique individuals and are beginning to notice that the people around them respond to their actions. They express themselves through coos, vowel sounds such as "ooh" and "aah," and babbling that may include more vowel and consonant combos. They are learning to be effective communicators and are starting to take turns "talking" back and forth in conversation.

• Feeding: A 4-month-old baby will still be on a liquid-only (or mostly liquid-only) diet. Some parents choose to begin solids at the 4-month mark, but it is recommended to check with a doctor first. Experts recommend that most babies wait until they are 5 or 6 months old to start eating regular food.

To encourage a 4-month-old babys development, parents can provide safe opportunities for them to reach for toys, kick at toys, and explore what is around them. They can also talk, read, and sing to their baby to help them learn to speak and understand words later. It is important to limit screen time and provide safe toys to play with that are easy to hold, like rattles or cloth books with colorful pictures for their age.