The typical four-month old is well equipped to explore. She sees many colors. She is alert to sounds. She is easily able to lift her torso to a 45 degrees angle when on tummy. She can focus well. She can reach for objects more easily. At a social level, she is more vocal now; screeches delightfully just to hear herself. Her face is more animated, giving you more clues about her moods. She can even read your facial expressions. Toys become an integral part of play and a potential source of hazard as well.!

Why does baby need toys? Toys help in baby's development. Toys occupy his time. Toys are a rich source of stimulation now and for years to come. Physical skills such as batting, reaching, stretching, grasping, shaking, pulling, squeezing and throwing are achieved with the aid of toys. Social skill, where toys provide babies to play with other people, is less apparent. Babies often offer toys to adults and other babies as a way of inviting others into his circle for interaction. Toys also encourage language and communication; babies tend to coo and babble at toys even when you are not around. Babies tend to benefit from complex toys that provide information and are complex and challenging. Such toys incorporate:

• A variety of colors
• Different visual patterns
• Opportunities for tactile sensations
• A number of shapes and contours
• responsiveness

Responsive toys or toys that make sounds, change shape and move in interesting ways when baby handles them are very much appreciated. It encourages baby to continue playing with such toys and over time baby masters skills. This mastery builds confidence and baby is encouraged to practice other skills. And the cycle goes on.

• Toys must be safe for mouthing.

• Toys must be nontoxic with a durable finish and too big to fit into baby's mouth.

• Toys must be free of sharp points and edges, trailing strings and ribbons to prevent entanglement.

• Be especially careful of small parts your baby can remove and try to swallow.

• Make sure soft toys are free of buttons, bows or eyes your baby might pull off. For this age, embroidered or printed faces are the best.

• Never hang toys or pacifier around baby's neck. He might become entangled in the string or get it caught on something and suffocate.

• Remove hanging toys from crib when baby begins to push up on hands and knees.

• Buy toys that are suitable for this age and avoid those that are meant for older babies as it may be unsafe for your baby!

Air Travel with Baby

With a little planning and preparation, air travel can be hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone. Be prepared for any situation when traveling with baby by air. Do not ASSUME the airline will provide anything to make your trip easier or more comfortable.

Plan Ahead
• Keep your trip short where possible. Book a non-stop flight; the faster the trip, the better.

• Allow extra time for everything. You may need extra time when checking in, for changing diapers or feeding baby.

• When possible, schedule your trip for baby's naptime for bedtime. With luck, he will sleep at least part of the trip.

• Change baby just before your board the plane. If your trip is short, you may not have to change her until after you land.

• Get an umbrella stroller if possible. It is easier to stow in the plane, and it is helpful when you have to walk long distances at the airport. You can check it in at the gate before boarding and you will get it back at the gate at your destination.

• Most airlines offer pre-boarding if you are with a small child. You will have more time to settle in your seats and stow all your gear.

• Offer baby a bottle during take off and landing. This helps equalize air pressure in his ears.

• Carry extra of everything you normally have in your diaper bag. In case of delay, you are well stocked with the supplies you will need.



Seating Arrangements
When making reservations, state clearly you are traveling with a baby. You might prefer seating behind the bulkhead, which provides more legroom. Bulkheads do have drawbacks; armrests are fixed in place so you cannot raise them to have more room if it is empty. You also lose under-seat storage.
A window seat is a good choice because no one has to climb over you and baby to get in and out of seat. If you have seat for baby, place yourself between your baby and the other passenger.

Ear Advice
Taking off and landing can cause ear discomfort. The change in air pressure causes fluid to build up and a temporary hearing loss. Help baby clear his ears to relieve his discomfort; feed him during take-off and landing. If baby is asleep, wake him and try to feed him.

Baby with a Cold
It is usually ok for baby with a cold to fly but changes in air pressure can cause fluid to build up and increase baby's risk of ear infection. With an ear infection baby should be treated with antibiotics at least 48 hours before the trip. Discuss with your pediatrician about your plans to fly and all other medication issues.

Baby and Hydration
The cabin air is very dry. Offer baby fluids to prevent dehydration. Use saline nose drops to help with the lack of humidity. Spray a little into each nostril every one hour. An alternative would be letting baby breathe through a damp washcloth held close to his nose, but not over the nostrils.

When Baby needs a change
Most airplane bathrooms do not come with a changing table for baby, and even if they do, they are small. Sometimes you may have to make do on an empty seat or on your lap. If you are using cloth diapers, put soiled diapers in a plastic bag and rinse them after you land. Disposal diapers are advisable when you are traveling simply because it is easy to dispose them.

Baby and sleep during flight
Some parents plan a trip so baby sleeps during the flight; others prefer traveling after baby wakes up. Try and not change baby's schedule to fit with your flight time. Make baby comfortable during flight to induce sleep. If that does not work, be prepared to entertain baby.

Baby feeds
Bring sufficient formula and warm water for your bottle fed baby. Mix bottle as you need it. With older babies, take prepared baby food in addition to formula. Some airlines provide baby food; request it at least 24 hours in advance.

When things go topsy-turvy
Some trips will not go according to plan. Unforeseen circumstances may arise such as flight delay, rerouting or cancellation. Do your best to deal with the situation and ask for airline assistance. Ask for a family area where you can rest with your baby during waiting period. If delay is very long, you are entitled to hotel accommodations.

Medicating Baby (Use proper measuring devices when giving your baby medicine every time.)

Be extra careful when dispensing medication to baby. Medicine must be the correct type and in the right dose. These guidelines may be useful when medicating your baby.

• When you give baby liquid medication, use a measuring spoon, a plastic medicine spoon or an oral syringe. Do not use tableware - they are not accurate. Giving your baby 20% more or less than she needs is not safe.

• Never guess at the amount of medicine to give. Give baby the correct amount in terms of age and weight as indicated on bottle.

• Store baby's medicine separately, and out of a child reach.

• Be sure you have the correct medication; double-check the label.

• If baby is prescribed more than one medicine, be sure they can be taken together. Check with your pediatrician or pharmacist on this.

• Do not keep old medications; get rid of them.

• Use clean droppers and spoons. Wash them in warm soapy water after use and store in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.

• Do not give medication to any other child other than the one it was prescribed to.

Vitamin D advice
Years ago, parents were advised to place their babies in the sun so that baby gets her vitamin D from the ultraviolet rays. Today, the reverse is being advised. Parents are being cautioned to protect babies against the harmful rays. Vitamin D can be gotten from breast milk and formula. Sun blocks and sunscreen lotions should only be used after baby turns six months old so the best protection is no exposure to the sun.

Baby's Dislikes
Here is a list of things most babies do not like.

• Bitter or very sour tastes are unpleasant to your baby. She will scrunch her face and turn away to avoid another chance at it.

• Irregular movements or sounds can cause baby distress. A baby prefers regularity in sound and motion. A deviation from the usual can be upsetting for baby.

• Sudden changes around her can be unsettling to baby. Communicate to her what you are about to do before you do it.

• Do not over stimulate baby if you can avoid it. She reacts to stress in the way you do.

• Abrupt volume changes can disturb your baby. She likes gradual change. Avoid sudden changes from soft to very loud sounds.

BABY WATCH

Baby's skull
Baby's skull grows faster during the first 4 months of life than at any other time during her lifetime. At check-ups, your baby's doctor measures her head to see her brain is developing normally. Baby's head may have grown by an inch in the first month alone. For the remainder part of the year average head growth is about half an inch per month.

Baby's Hair
Your baby's hair may be changing in color, thickness and texture. His baby hair is being replaced with new hair that is more permanent. This process will go on for a few weeks. Hair loss in certain spots on your baby's head may indicate he is lying too much in the same position. Friction on his scalp will cause his hair to fall out too. Once baby is more mobile, the balding spots will disappear.

Parents often misconceive their baby's emotional development. Three common misconceptions are:

Misconception:
the greater the number of caregivers a baby has before age 3, the better his ability to cope with change.
Fact: too many changes can actually dissuade baby from forming new relationships.

Misconception:
young children do not get depressed.
Fact: studies show that babies as young as 6 months old can exhibit signs of depression.

Misconception:
the more stimulation he receives, the more he will learn.
Fact: on the contrary, over stimulation can irritate baby and interfere with learning.

Baby Drool
Baby begins drooling about this time. Some baby drool in excess, wetting their face and neck constantly. Some people attribute drooling to teething. While it is true for some babies who cut teeth early, many babies do not start teething until some months later. If your baby drools profusely, put a bib on her and keep a washcloth handy all the time. Constant wetness and the irritation of wet skin against clothing can cause rash to form. If this happens, protect baby's skin with petroleum jelly. Dry her face and neck, and apply the jelly. Dusting a little baby talc can help protect the area. If the rash is severe or causes baby a lot of discomfort, consult your pediatrician.

Baby Routine
Routine is important in more ways than one. Not only are you setting a pattern to make your life easier, you are also helping to anticipate events that occur regularly in his life. This in turn helps him develop skills of attention and memory.

Sits when supported:
She sits up when supported at her hips and enjoys sitting in a semi upright position. This position is best for learning and play. Babies go through several stages in learning to sit up. They also enjoy sitting in a swing or other seat or on your lap. They also enjoy being pulled up to sitting position. Lay baby on her back on a smooth, soft surface. Grasp her hands and s-l-o-w-l-y raise her to the sitting position, ensuring your grip on her hands are firm. Gently lower her again.

Eye-hand coordination:
She keeps her hands open most of the time. Baby loves holding and shaking things like her rattle. Her eye-hand coordination is improving. When she sees something, she moves to reach for it. She can manipulate an object more easily; whatever baby lays hands on tends to go into her mouth. She is also more deliberate in her movements. She may start to grab your hair, jewelry or clothes, or her dad's moustache. Her body and hands still fascinate her.

Tonic-neck reflex:
The tonic neck reflex which kept baby's head turned to one side most of the time, has just about disappeared by now. Baby is therefore able to turn head to either side, making it easier to turn toward a sound.

Gaining in Strength:
When on tummy, baby can support her head and chest with one arm. She may roll over easily now from tummy to back.

Sharper vision:
Her focus sharpens and she is able to focus at different distances, but prefers to look at what is close by - within 3 feet. In a few weeks, she will be able to focus on near and distant objects just like adults do. Her eye movement is less jerky now.

Bedtime routine:
Now may be a good time about easing baby away from some dependencies, such as rocking her to sleep every night. Instead of waiting for baby to fall asleep in your arms, put baby to bed while she is still awake. A bedtime routine will help her understand it is time to sleep and that the bed is meant for sleeping. Her bedtime also signals to her that the day is over. Every family practices different rituals for bedtime - baths, reading, lullaby, prayers etc. Try different things, and see what suits you best and make that a routine. Using this routine even while away from home, offers your baby security that this day is over and a new one begins tomorrow. If you have not established a routine, begin one now. You and your baby will benefit from it.

Roll Baby Roll:
Lay baby on the floor and gently roll him from side to side or from stomach to back. If baby does not roll on his own yet, play a game to help him along. Lay baby on his back on the floor. Place a bright toy or an interesting object to one side. If he turns toward it, give him a gentle push to help him go all the way over. Not only will baby enjoy, but this will also help him develop the coordination to roll over on his own.

Soapy Bubbles:
Now that your baby's vision is much better, you might want to entertain him with soap bubbles. Busy some or make your own using dish soap and water. Blow bubbles using a straw or bubble wand but make sure it is away from baby's face. He will enjoy watching the bubbles drift slowly around the room. This exercise will also help him practice tracking a moving object.

Touch tours:
Your four-month-old might enjoy touching as well as looking. As you carry her around the house, pause to let her feel things around the house such as the bedspread, curtain fabrics, and water rushing over her hands from the faucet. In a nice weather, take her outdoors to feel the leaves, grass, rough tree trunks. This is a good way to educate your baby on different textures and about the names of different objects.