4-Month-Old Baby Activities

Searching for fun 4-month-old baby activities? Well, we’ve got ten you and your little one need to try. These games and exercises are the perfect way for you to laugh, play, learn, and bond together.

But before we share our favorite things to do with a 4-month-old, let’s take a quick peek at the milestones your baby might be hitting at this point.

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What skills should a 4-month-old have?

Even at this early stage of babydom, it’s important to note that every child is different.

4-month-old developmental milestones should only ever be used as a rough guide for your own baby’s development.

That said, there are a few things typical of this age, so get your camera ready and watch out for:

• Rolling over (they’re on the move, mama!)
• Babbling in their own little baby language
• Smiling those great, big adorable smiles
• Getting to grips with their toes (literally)
• Mimicking facial expressions
• Spotting the difference between colors

How do I entertain my 4-month-old all day?

There are all sorts of activities and games you can use to engage and entertain your 4-month-old baby. From the all-important tummy time to mirror play, rattles, and rolling over, here are some of our favorites to inspire you.

10 awesome activities to do with a 4-month-old baby

1. Tummy time

Tummy time involves placing your baby on their tummy for short periods, strengthening their back, neck, and shoulder muscles, and improving their motor skills.

Promoting their development in various ways, tummy time is one of the best activities to do with a 4-month-old baby. You should be aiming for around 20-30 minutes of tummy time per day by the time your little one is 4-months-old.

Read our complete guide to tummy time here, including five tips for success.

2. Mirror play

Playing with mirrors is one of the most popular developmental activities for 4-month-olds. Since your little one will love watching and interacting with the “other baby” they see in front of them, mirror play can help to improve their social skills. Place a mirror at your baby’s eye level and leave them alone with it to explore.

You could also use a mirror during tummy time to keep them entertained.

3. Let’s dance!

You’re never too young to enjoy a good old-fashioned dance party. Babies love the rhythmic movement of dance and can start kicking their legs to music from birth. And, as well as being a lot of fun for your little one, dancing can also aid their development.

As you move them through different positions, their muscle tone and spatial awareness will be improved and enhanced. Be sure to hold your baby gently and securely against your body while dancing.

4. Roll the ball

Rolling a ball will show your baby the real meaning of cause and effect. While they won’t have the coordination to roll a ball themselves just yet, they will enjoy watching in awe as you magically zip it across the floor in front of them. Lay them down on their tummy, play with the balls together, and experiment with different sizes and textures.

5. Play with rattles

If you’re wondering how to entertain a 4-month-old baby, simply give them a rattle! Not only do babies love the sounds they produce, but they can also encourage skills like reaching and hand-eye coordination. Plus, rattles help them gain an understanding of object permanence. Hide a rattle so they can’t see it, shake it, and encourage your baby to look for it.

6. Texture exploration

Texture exploration can be a great sensory activity for 4-month-old babies. Examining different textures can help develop their sense of touch, helping them learn about their body and their environment.

You could start by playing on a range of textured fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or sheepskin. Then move on to giving them textured toys or materials to explore. Textured books can also be helpful at this age.

7. Arrange a playdate

While you may have a long list of games to play with a 4-month-old, it could be time to start widening their social circle.

Babies of this age feel safe to explore new environments when supported by a parent or caregiver. Playdates can aid your little one’s development, helping them learn social skills and make teeny, tiny friends early on.

8. What’s in the bag?

If you’re looking for things to do with a 4-month-old at home, look no further than ‘What’s in the bag?’. This fun game involves taking a pillowcase and filling it with everyday household items. Your little one will love the surprise of watching you pull out various things, from teddies and toys to CDs and scented candles!

9. Rolling

Since babies start rolling over as early as 4 months old, now is the time to encourage this skill. You may have noticed your little one trying to roll from their back onto their stomach by themselves. While they’re lying on their back, take their favorite toy and hold it above their chest. Move it around to grab their attention. As they reach for it, move it to their opposite side. This should encourage them to roll, at least partially.

If they can’t roll over fully, hold their hip gently and help them to roll them over the rest of the way. They’ll soon manage on their own and, well, there’ll be no stopping them!

10. Sensory bottles

Homemade sensory bottles have become all the rage in recent years. Take an empty plastic bottle and fill it with any number of baby-safe liquids and objects that may sink or float. Adding glitter, confetti, or food coloring can intrigue and mesmerize 4-month-old babies, sharpening their visual senses and imagination.

Don't miss: 6 Toys for a 4-Month-Old Baby

With glitter, in particular, watching its slow descent to the bottom of the bottle can help calm them down, regulating their breathing and emotions.

Just make sure the bottle’s lid is firmly secured and taped over for extra peace of mind.

Did we miss any? Share your favorites with the mamas on Peanut!

👶 Read next: 5-Month-Old Baby Activities: Ideas to Try