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Hi!
Your baby is now four months old. Today we'll share with you a way to relax when you have a spare moment, and some information about screen use and your family. But first, it's time for another Looksee Checklist!
Does your child:
- Follow a moving toy or person with their eyes?
- Glance from one object to another?
- Make some sounds when looking at toys or people?
- Brighten to sounds, especially people’s voices?
- Respond to you by making sounds and moving their arms and legs?
- Laugh and smile in response to your laughs and smiles?
- Finish each feeding within 45 minutes?
- Lift their head and chest and support themself on their forearms when placed on their tummy?
- Bring both hands to their chest and keep their head in midline when lying on their back?
- Hold their head steady when supported at the chest or waist in a sitting position?
- Reach for an object when supported in a sitting position? (sitting in an infant chair or on your lap)
- Hold an object briefly when placed in hand?
Follow up with your health-care provider if you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions or if you have concerns about your child’s development.
If your child was premature, check the Looksee website for guidance about which checklist to use. |
Immunization alert!
At four months, your baby is due to receive the same immunizations that they likely received at two months of age. |
Screen use and your family
Screen time (including televisions, computers, phones, and tablets) is not recommended for children under two years of age. Babies do not learn from screens. In fact, screen time can harm your baby’s development.
Babies love spending time with other people. You are their best teacher and playmate. Babies learn so much through interactions with warm, responsive parents and caregivers.
Try these tips to limit screen time:
- Set limits on your own screen time.
- Keep meal and snack times screen-free. Connect with your family instead.
- Keep bedrooms screen-free.
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Relaxing
Being a parent is hard. The ways you relaxed before your baby might not work now. Try to find some new ways to help your body be calm. Many people find breathing techniques useful. Here is one for you to try:
- Get comfy. Sit or lie down.
- Put one hand on your belly.
- Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. Feel your hand move.
- Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Let your body relax as you breathe out. Focus on how this feels.
- Do this three times or more. Feel how your muscles relax.
Give it a try next time you have a quiet moment! |
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Mental health services
You are a parent, and your health is important. People often find that becoming a parent affects their mental well-being. If you notice changes, it’s important to reach out for support. The Southeast Public Health website has a list of local mental health services that are available.
The Steps to Wellness program is a free, nine-week, online, group-based series where participants meet weekly in the virtual group setting with public health nurses to learn skills, strategies, and tools to help them manage their symptoms of depression and anxiety. |
Take care! We look forward to connecting with you next month. |
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