Week-by-week library · about 4.5 months old
Week 18
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at about 4.5 months old?
This week, everything within reach is getting the mouth test.
What's developing
Motor
Grasping and shaking toys is common now, along with bringing objects to the mouth to explore them, a normal and important way babies learn about texture and shape.
Motor
Rolling one direction, often front-to-back first, is emerging for many babies in this window.
Try this together this week
- Offer safe, appropriately sized toys for mouthing and shaking; this is real sensory learning, not a bad habit.
- Keep an eye on the floor for small objects now that reaching and grabbing are more reliable.
- Practice supported sitting, giving gentle support at the hips.
- Try textured teethers if drooling or chewing on hands has picked up.
What parents often notice
Increased drooling and chewing on hands or toys often shows up around now; it can be an early teething sign, though tooth eruption timing varies enormously and some babies show these signs without a tooth for months.
Sourced to
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
- Zero to Three, Early Development guides
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.