Which infant milestone is typical by 4 months?

• A. Lifts chest and head while on tummy; rolls from front to back; reaches for and grasps objects; laughs and vocalizes; responds to social cues
• B. Crawls; stands; says first words
• C. Sleeps through night; eats solids
• D. Babbles single syllables; avoids eye contact

Answer: (A)

By four months, babies often display a blend of growing strength, coordination, and social communication. Lifting the chest and head while on the tummy shows improving neck and upper-body control. Rolling from front to back is a common milestone as they begin to use their arms and trunk to change position. Reaching for and grasping objects demonstrates developing hand-eye coordination and purposeful movement. Laughing and vocalizing reflect expanding communication skills, while responding to social cues shows they’re engaging more with caregivers and the world around them.

The other options describe skills that typically come later or in ways that aren’t characteristic at this age. Crawling and standing usually happen closer to six to nine months and nine to twelve months, respectively. Introducing solids is generally recommended around six months, not four. Babbling single syllables and avoiding eye contact don’t fit the four-month pattern, since early vocalizations are more about cooing and laughing, and sustained eye contact and social responsiveness are common.