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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 ageexternal icon. 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 AppStoreexternal icon and GooglePlayexternal icon.

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.
Click the photos and videos below for examples of the milestones.
What Most Babies Do by this Age:
Social/Emotional

Smiles spontaneously, especially at people




Likes to play with people and might cry when playing stops




Copies some movements and facial expressions, like smiling or frowning




Language/Communication

Begins to babble




Babbles with expression and copies sounds he hears




Cries in different ways to show hunger, pain, or being tired




Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Lets you know if he is happy or sad




Responds to affection




Reaches for toy with one hand




Uses hands and eyes together, such as seeing a toy and reaching for it




Follows moving things with eyes from side to side




Watches faces closely




Recognizes familiar people and things at a distance




Movement/Physical Development

Holds head steady, unsupported




Pushes down on legs when feet are on a hard surface




May be able to roll over from tummy to back




Can hold a toy and shake it and swing at dangling toys




Brings hands to mouth




When lying on stomach, pushes up to elbows




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.


Page last reviewed: September 30, 2021
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention