4 months old: laughing and rolling
Many babies laugh, reach for objects and start rolling from tummy to back.
- Age
- 4 months
- Sleep in 24 hours
- 12–16 hours
- Immunisations
- 4-month vaccines
Development
Many babies laugh, reach for objects and start rolling from tummy to back.
Sleep and feeding
Sleep often changes around now. This is a normal developmental shift.
Looking after you
Stop swaddling with arms wrapped once your baby shows signs of rolling.
This month’s to-do list
- 4-month immunisations
- Move to a safe baby sleeping bag once rolling starts
Common questions
How much should a 4-month-old sleep?
Most babies this age sleep about 12–16 hours in 24 hours, including naps. Every baby is different.
Are vaccines due at 4 months?
Yes. The National Immunisation Program schedules vaccines at 4 months. Book with your GP or local council clinic.
All 12 months
Useful tools
SleepBaby routine trackerKeep feeds, sleep and nappy changes together.SleepSleep needs by ageTypical hours of sleep for your child’s age.DevelopmentGrowth recordsHeight and weight over time.
Related guides
Health & safetyIntroducing allergy foods to your babyWhen and how to offer peanut, egg and other common allergy foods.NewbornBaby sleep routines by age: realistic expectationsSleep needs and settling patterns change as babies develop. Keep expectations flexible.Health & safetyFever in babies and children: when to see a doctorWhat counts as a fever, when it is urgent and how to keep your child comfortable.Health & safetySafe sleep: the guidelines in plain EnglishSix simple steps that lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.