At 4 months old, Baby isn’t walking or talking yet, but they might be babbling or just starting to try to sit up. Most experts recommend sticking to only breast milk or formula for the first 4-6 months, which means solid food might be just around the corner for you and Baby.
At the appointment
Baby may not be getting any new immunizations at this visit, but they will probably receive the second doses for all of the immunizations they had at their two-month well-child visit: haemophilus influenzae (Hib), pneumococcal conjugate, polio, rotavirus (RV), and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis [whooping cough]).
If Baby was born between October through March and the birthing parent was not immunized against RSV in pregnancy, or if the birthing parent was immunized less than 14 days before the birth, then the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine may be recommended.
The milestones the pediatrician or other healthcare provider will be looking for at this visit might include: smiling to get your attention, keeping their head steady while sitting up, rolling and reaching for objects, having a desire to play, enjoying cuddling, using their arms to lift their chest during tummy time, and babbling.
Questions to ask
Baby has always had a personality, but as they get older, their preferences and disposition start to come out more. As Baby grows and develops, your questions will change as well. Feel free to continue to ask questions about nutrition, safety, development, and more. Some questions you might have include:
- Is it time to start solid food?
- How do I deal with potential allergens in solid food?
- Should I massage my baby, and how do I give a massage safely?
- How do I best introduce Baby to new people?
- What’s the difference between active and quiet play, and how do I encourage those things?
Reviewed by the Ovia Health by Labcorp Clinical Team
A note on vaccines
Ovia Health by Labcorp is committed to providing evidence-based guidance and supporting families with trusted health information. Recent shifts and changes to vaccination recommendations and schedules for pregnant women, children, and infants have raised questions about the safety and efficacy.
We continue to follow the guidance of leading medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians about vaccination safety and continued use. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to advise you on vaccination safety for pregnant women, infants, children, and the broader public.
Sources
- “AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits.” HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. December 18, 2015. Web.
- “Well-child visits.” MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. February 5, 2015. Web.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “AAP Immunization Schedule.” 2026. Web https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/15585/AAP-Immunization-Schedule
