Things to Do With a 4 Month Old: Simple At-Home Ideas

Things to do with a 4 month old (simple at-home ideas for 4–8 months)

If you’re searching for things to do with a 4 month old, you’re probably in that “busy but bored” stage. Baby wants to look, touch, kick, and chat… but also melts down fast. I remember this stage so clearly with so many families I see each week as a Pretoria newborn and baby photographer. It’s sweet, but it can feel like a full-time job just to keep baby happy between naps.

The good news? You don’t need fancy classes or a house full of toys. You just need a few simple ideas you can repeat in a calm rhythm.

Why this stage feels tricky

At 4–8 months, your baby wakes up to the world. They notice sounds, lights, faces, and movement. They also get tired quickly.

So you’ll often see this pattern:

• Baby seems “bored”

• You try something new

• Baby loves it for 2 minutes

• Then they fuss because they’re overstimulated

That’s normal. You’re not doing it wrong. Your baby is simply learning how to handle more input.

My simple “play loop” that works at home

This is my gentle routine when moms ask me how to structure the day. It works beautifully for baby activities at home because it keeps things simple.

Try this “loop”:

1. Short play (5–15 minutes)

2. Feed (or a cuddle if baby isn’t hungry)

3. Wind down (quiet voice, dim room, slow rocking)

4. Nap

5. Repeat

If you only remember one thing: keep play short and calm. You can do the same activity again later. Babies love repetition.

Sensory play for babies (easy, no fancy stuff)

Sensory play for babies sounds big, but it’s often just “safe, interesting textures and sounds.”

Scarf or fabric texture play

Use a soft scarf, muslin cloth, or even a clean dish towel.

• Let baby feel it on their hands and feet

• Gently pull it over their toes and say, “Where are your toes?”

• Let them grab and scrunch it

Mirror time

A baby-safe mirror is magic at this age.

• Place it next to baby during play

• Smile and talk to their reflection

• Copy their sounds (they LOVE this)

Music and rhythm

You don’t need songs with actions. Just do this:

• Clap softly

• Tap a wooden spoon on a pot

• Sing one simple song every day

Keep it gentle. Your baby will watch your face and learn your rhythm.

Tiny “water play”

You can do this with a small bowl and a face cloth.

• Wet the cloth and let baby squeeze it (with help)

• Let them pat the water with their fingers

• Stop before it turns cold or messy

A “house tour” with narration

This one is underrated and works when you’re tired.

• Walk slowly through the house

• Name what you see: “Window. Light. Chair.”

• Let baby look, then turn away before they get fussy

These are simple things to do with a 4 month old that still feel “new” to them.

Developmental activities for babies (4–8 months)

I love developmental activities for babies that feel like play, not work.

Reaching and grabbing games

Place one toy slightly to the side (not right in front).

• Encourage baby to reach

• Celebrate the effort, not the success

• Switch sides so they use both hands

Rolling practice

If baby wants to roll but gets stuck:

• Put a toy just out of reach

• Help them shift their hips gently

• Keep it playful, not stressful

Supported sitting play

If baby can sit with support:

• Sit them between your legs

• Give one easy-to-hold toy

• Keep it short so they don’t slump and get grumpy

Peekaboo (early object permanence)

Even a simple “hide your face, then smile” helps.

• Use your hands

• Use a cloth

• Keep your voice calm and slow

Tummy time ideas (even if baby hates it)

So many moms tell me, “My baby hates tummy time.” You are not alone. These tummy time ideas usually feel much easier.

Tummy time on your chest

Lie back on the couch and place baby on your chest.

• Baby lifts their head to look at you

• You get cuddles

• It counts!

Rolled towel support

Roll a small towel and place it under baby’s chest (arms forward).

• This makes it easier to lift the head

• Start with 30–60 seconds

• Build slowly

Short bursts (tiny wins)

Instead of one long tummy time, do:

• 5 short tries a day

• Even 30 seconds counts

• Stop before baby screams

Tummy time with a mirror or one toy

Place a mirror or one interesting toy in front.

• Keep it simple

• Too many toys can overwhelm them

Activities by age (quick ideas)

Every baby develops at their own pace, but these quick ideas work well if you want a simple guide.

Activities for 4 month old baby

• Mirror time + chatting

• Fabric texture play

• Gentle “bicycle legs” after a nappy change

• Short tummy time on your chest

Activities for 5 month old baby

• Reaching games side-to-side

• Supported sitting with one toy

• Peekaboo with a cloth

• “House tour” looking at lights and windows

Activities for 6 month old baby

These activities for 6 month old baby often get more fun because baby becomes stronger.

• Rolling practice + cheering

• Sitting play with stacking cups

• Sensory play with a safe teether (cold cloth can help)

• Songs with clapping and pauses

Best toys for 4–6 months (what’s worth it)

Honestly? You don’t need much. If you buy anything, keep it simple:

• A baby-safe mirror

• A soft sensory cloth (or 2 different textures)

• Stacking cups (they last ages)

• One easy-to-grab rattle or teether

Babies often prefer your face, your voice, and everyday objects (safe ones!) over expensive toys.

How long should a baby play before nap?

This is one of the biggest reasons moms feel stuck. Baby seems tired, but you don’t know when to stop.

A gentle guideline:

• Many 4–5 month babies do well with 10–20 minutes of active play at a time

• Many 6–8 month babies can handle 15–30 minutes, depending on mood

Watch for tired signs:

• Turning face away

• Rubbing eyes

• Becoming “busy” and fussy suddenly

• Losing interest in toys

If you’re unsure, stop early. A calm baby falls asleep easier.

Final thoughts

If you take anything from this, let it be this: you don’t need to entertain your baby all day. A few simple, repeatable things to do with a 4 month old will carry you through this stage gently.

And if you’re in Pretoria (especially Pretoria East, the Moot, or Montana), you’re also in that sweet little window where baby starts sitting soon. That leads so naturally into the next big milestone: first birthday photos.

If you’re already planning ahead, you can explore my Cake Smash Photography page for booking info and ideas: https://jennadphotography.com/cake-smash-photography/

If you’d love calm, timeless milestone photos as your baby grows, I’d be honoured to photograph your family and help you plan a first birthday session that feels easy and joyful.