Family Natters

Mums often want to know if their babies are making good progress. A list of movement milestones health visitors and other professionals expect to see in a 4 month baby follows:

• turns head to side when placed on tummy

• moves head to side while lying on back

• lifts and momentarily supports head when held with head at shoulder

• moves head while lying on tummy: up, down and side to side

• placed on tummy, raises head for 1 - 5 seconds

• held firmly on lap, balances head for 3 - 5 seconds

• follows light with eyes, turning head

• eyes follow moving person

• maintains eye contact for 3 seconds with person’s face at a distance of 20cm

• swipes at a toy dangled in line of movement of either hand

• when dangled in standing position, bounces on bent knees

• attempts to roll over using shoulders, either tummy to back or back to tummy

• pats and pulls at adults facial features

• firmly supported in sitting position, reaches out for toy in sweeping action

• plucks at clothes and blankets. scratches surfaces, feels body

Note: These are only a rough guide. Normal baby development varies considerably, and usually its nothing to worry about if a baby does not achieve all these milestones at 4 months. Progress is the important thing. If you are worried, check with your health visitor.