Week 18 in Your Baby's Development
Before long Tyler will be babbling constantly, trying to carry on a conversation with everything and everybody. Here are four things you can do to help his vocal development.
1. Speak in simple words or phrases that he can understand and imitate easily. However, avoid talking in "baby talk" - or over-exaggerated pronunciation. Tyler will learn from what he hears.
2. Get in the habit of telling Tyler the names of all items that capture his attention.
3. Ask questions and pause to allow Tyler to answer, even if it is just with a smile or a coo. This will teach him that conversation involves taking turns.
4. Lead by example. Don't correct Tyler's mispronounced words. Instead, phrase the correct pronunciation in acknowledgement of what he is trying to say.
Remembering these simple tips will help Tyler become a little chatterbox.
At four months old, babies usually range from 23 inches long and 11 pounds (10th percentile) to 25.5 inches long and 15.75 pounds (90th percentile). **Tyler will go for his check up Friday morning, so I'll be able to post how big he is then.**
Tyler may be able to play alone with his toys for up to 15 minutes. The ability to entertain himself for longer and longer periods is a big milestone - and one for which you'll no doubt rejoice! You'll also begin hearing him happily cooing away with different toys in an attempt to copy the voice inflection and rhythm that he hears from you and others. Sometimes Tyler may hold a sound while running it through an array of different pitches and volumes. In my house we called this "singing." My mother called it "screeching," but it's easier to appreciate if you call it "singing." It also makes it easier to call it that in the grocery store line when he belts one out loudly. If you say something like, "Are you going to sing for everyone in the supermarket?" people will generally laugh and forgive the ear-splitting outburst.
Your little one has come a long way in four short months. He is able to hold his head steady when he's in an upright position. And while he is probably not able to sit unassisted, he will love the view offered by being perched in a highchair if he's firmly supported by pillows, rolled towels or blankets. Your lap will be another wonderful place to sit and view the world.
Tyler has probably discovered a new favorite toy: his feet! Your little contortionist will easily stick his feet in his mouth when on his back and will play with his toes. Games like "This Little Piggy Went to Market" will amuse you both.
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