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What will we do at this visit?

• Check Weight, Length and Head Circumference and track how your baby is growing.
• Talk about how your family is doing, feeding your baby, sleep, and safety.
• Answer any questions you have!
• Help your child stay healthy by keeping them up to date with their immunizations.

Will my child need immunizations at this visit?

The recommended immunization schedule protects infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they come into contact with potentially life-threatening diseases. 

View the childhood immunization schedule to see which vaccines your baby needs.

Please note that there are age ranges for each vaccine and due to each child's individual medical history, illnesses, missed visits, travel plans, and other factors, your child may need a vaccine early, or to catch-up on missed vaccines at any age! You will discuss any needed immunizations at the time of your visit.

Feeding your baby:

• Feed only breast milk or iron-fortified formula in the first 4-6 months.

• Your baby may be ready for solids when they:
  • Show interest in (stare, reach for) your food.
  • Are close to sitting on their own, and do not slouch when seated.
  • Put their hands to their mouth frequently.
  • Their tongue-thrust reflex is going away.
• Read our Starting Solid Foods resource for more information.

Your Child's Sleep:

Some babies sleep better than others. Lack of sleep can be one of the more challenging aspects of parenting. Take a look at our Sleep Resources page for information on typical sleep patterns, strategies, and reassurance.

Health and Safety Tips:

• Did you know? 1 in 7 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression.  Visit Postpartum Support International for more resources and support for moms and dads.  Let your family, a friend, your ObGyn, your PCP, or your baby's Pediatrician know if you or your partner have these symptoms:
  • I have these I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
  • I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
  • I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason. 
• Encourage active play during awake times. Find a safe place on the floor for your baby to have space to move freely.
• Offer age appropriate toys for your baby to reach for and grab. Keep small objects an plastic bags AWAY from your baby.
• Put your baby down to sleep on their back in a crib or bassinet. See "What Does a Safe Sleep Environment Look Like?"
• Never leave your baby alone in bathwater, even in a bath seat or ring.  Please read Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning.
• Keep your home and car smoke free.
• Use a rear facing car safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Visit Be Seat Smart for more car seat information.

Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Months

Tract your baby's milestones with the CDC.

Activities to do with your Baby: 

• Talk and sing to your baby.
• Find information on Early Learning and Well-being, Early Learning, and Parenting on zerotothree.org.

Ages & Stages - Baby

Read age-specific articles about your Baby's health, development, and safety at healthychildren.org.