Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD, Patient Handout
4 Month Old Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OFTEN DO I FEED MY 4 MONTH OLD CEREAL AND/OR BABY FOODS?
Start with once a day until baby no longer exhibits the "tongue-thrust" reflex (i.e. until he can keep foods in his mouth without spitting it all back out at you). At that point, you can start commercially available first baby foods or you can make your own by pureeing fruits and vegetables into a thin
consistency. These should be limited to no more than 60 gram servings and not more than twice daily. Avoid salting the baby’s food.

WILL MY BABY SLEEP BETTER ONCE HE IS ON SOLID FOODS?
There have been many studies done to address the impression that babies sleep better once they are started on solid foods. Unfortunately, none of the studies have shown prolonged sleeping periods with the institution of solid foods.

WHEN SHOULD MY BABY START TO SLEEP ALL NIGHT?
Some babies may start to sleep all night by 3 to 4 months of age, most should be able to sleep all night without the need for nighttime feedings by 6 months of age.

WHEN CAN MY BABY GRADUATE TO AN UPRIGHT, FRONT-FACING CAR SEAT?
Once the child is over 9 kg AND is a year of age, he can be put in an upright, front-facing car seat. Until then he should be in a rear-facing inclined car seat securely fastened in the rear seat of an automobile each and every time he is in the automobile.

WHEN CAN MY BABY START TO SLEEP ON HIS STOMACH INSTEAD OF HIS BACK?
Sleeping either on their back or alternatively, on their side is the recommended position for all babies regardless of age. Obviously, once the child is able to roll over, he will seek the position in which he is most comfortable. Usually infants are out of the high-risk period for SIDS by the sixth month (when they are usually able to roll over as well).

WHEN DOES MY CHILD RETURN FOR HIS NEXT HEALTH SUPERVISION VISIT?
At 6 months of age your child should have his next health supervision visit.