Parenting Tips for Your 4 Month Old Baby
Don’t force your baby to eat more than she wants. She will let you know when she has had enough. Fat babies are not healthy babies. Researchers believe that babies who gain too much weight in their early months may have more problems with their weight as they grow older. If you think your baby is gaining too much or not enough weight, talk to your doctor.
Pay attention to your baby’s cues. She will know when she has had just the right amount. Never put your baby on a diet!
When your baby is hungry, she may:
- Wave her arms and legs
- Open her mouth or reach for the food
- Fuss and look around
When your baby is full, she may:
- Push away or play with the bottle
- Hold her mouth tightly shut
Many doctors recommend that babies do not start eating cereals or other solid foods until they are 6 months of age. The reason is that babies do not have full mouth and tongue control yet and will usually push solids out with their tongues.
Another reason to avoid solid foods is that your baby may not have control over her head and neck. Semi-liquid and solid foods should not be given to your baby before she can sit up with support and has head and neck control. Check with your doctor or nurse before starting solid foods.
For now, breast milk is the best food for your baby, as is the fortified formula your doctor has recommended. Babies don’t usually need extra water. They get all they need in breast milk or formula.
