Infants develop fast and by the time a baby reaches 4 months old, they can hold their head up during tummy time, and can sit up on a lap or a well cushioned chair made for smaller infants. In addition, they can hold objects with both hands, and have a tendency to grab at anything within their reach. Of course their coos, gurgles and smiles will lighten your heart and put a smile on your own face. Buying gifts for infants of this age can be a bit tricky since the infant is likely to already have many toys that have been purchased over the months since birth.
However, we have compiled a list of premium toys and gifts suitable for babies who are 4 months of age.
In a Rush? See Our Top 3 Picks Just Below
Top Pick: Baby Play Mat Activity Gym
Runner Up: Baby Bathtub Seat
2nd Runner Up: Baby Activity Center
Our Criteria for Evaluating Toys and Gifts for 4 Month Old Babies
When choosing toys and gifts for infants we use two criteria for evaluating each gift. These criteria are:
Educational Value
We consider the toy’s ability to aid the infant in their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. We try and determine if a toy will help a child develop their fine and gross motor skills, respond to sounds, lights and textures as well as focus on various objects around them.
Entertainment Value
We also look at the entertainment value of the toy or gift to determine if the toy will attract the child’s attention, soothe them when they are upset, or bring a smile to their face.
The Best Gifts & Toys for 4 Month Old Boys & Girls
1. Bright Start Clack and Activity Ball
This toy is a great gift for any baby who is now grasping objects with both hands. The baby can shake this ball to get the beads to clack, view him or herself in the mirror, and allow the little one to explore various textures.
Positives
Several activities for the infant to explore
Will grow with the child entertaining them for several months
Negatives
Some parents feel that this activity ball is too hard and can hurt baby
2. Activity Gym
If the 4 month old you’re buying for doesn’t already have an activity gym now is a great time to give one as a gift. This activity gym comes with several hanging toys, a pillow to help prop the baby up during tummy time once he is holding his head up and the surface of the pad has various textures and activities built right into the mat.
Positives
Offers infant entertainment whether laying on his or her back or tummy
Will grow with the child giving them several months of use
Negatives
There seems to be a lot of plastic tabs that parents need to be careful to remove
3. Smart NogginStik Light Up Rattle
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This lightup rattle makes a fun 4 month old toy. The changing light feature helps them to track the rattle sounds and the little nubs on the handle provides the infant with texture contrast. The whole rattle is designed to aid the infant’s sensory perception.
Positives
This rattle encourages the child to shake and even bang the rattle to get the results he or she wants.
Can occupy infant for several minutes at a time
Negatives
Pricey
4. Sit Me Up Floor Seat
Four month old babies enjoy sitting up as long as they have proper support and this floor seat provides them with the support that they need to enjoy viewing the world from a new vantage point. The seat has 2 crinkly wings, a tray and a bat at spinners with various toys. This seat makes a great gift for any 4 month old.
Positives
The spin toys really capture a infants attention
The tray comes in handy and is useful for months to come
Negatives
Some parents find that it can be difficult to get the baby out of it
5. White Noise Baby Sleep Soother
By month 4 most babies sleep through the night, however some babies have difficulty going to sleep and this cute little bear sleeps soother with its lights and lullabies will calm the baby and lull them to sleep. There are also other sounds like the ocean and heart beats. A great gift for any 4 months old infant that needs calming from time to time.
Positives
Can set the amount of time that the music plays
The bear is soft enough for the baby to cuddle
Negatives
Some parents don’t like the sound
6. Baby Activity Center
This baby activity center comes with several toys that provide about 25 different activities for babies to explore. The center rotates 360 degrees and there is a piano that the baby can tap with their feet.
Positives
Turns into a play table as the infant gets older
Toys can be rearranged for a different play experience
Negatives
Pricey for what you get
7. Peekaboo Bunny
This cute little bunny is a great gift for the nursery of any child who is 4 months old. The bunny has a light up tummy, plays songs and will play peek-a-boo causing the baby to laugh and gurgle. This will make an ideal Easter gift for either a boy or a girl.
Positives
Has both daytime and night time mode
Holds baby’s interest
Negatives
Some units quit working after a few months of use
8. Bathtub Seat
If the 4 month old in your life can hold his head up well and squirms a lot during bath time then this bath seat will make a great gift for both parent and child. This seat keeps baby more safe and secure when being bathed
Positives
Easy to install
Allows young infants to play
Negatives
Have to be careful of mold building up
9. Blanket Soothers
A great gift for any baby who is 4 months old who finds clutching a blanket, wash rag or other soft material comforting this pair of blanket soothers are perfect for infants to hold, cuddle and rub their face against when they are tired or need comforting.
Positives
With two look alike blanket soothers the baby will always have one while the other is in the wash.
Material is soft and comforting
Negatives
Some of these do not hold up as well as expected
10. On the Go Baby Dome
A perfect gift to give just before summer, this On the Go Baby Dome allows families to spend time in the backyard, park or beach while keeping the baby safe and secure and protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays. This dome comes with 2 toys and a canopy to give the baby the shade they need.
Positives
Folds easily
Mesh sides allow for good airflow
Negatives
Once the legs are put on the dome they are difficult to take off making this dome hard to store
Tips for Finding Good Toys & Gifts for a 4 Month Old Baby
- Set a gift budget for the baby before you begin shopping. That way you won’t be tempted to buy something beyond your means simply because it looks cute.
- Make a list of potential gift suitable for a child of this age so you won’t end up with an impulsive buy.
- It is always a good idea to check with the parents regarding gifts that the child may need.
- Take the time to check the reviews in order to help you find the highest quality toy or gift possible.
Wrapping up the Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 4 Month Olds
We hope that the next time you need to purchase a toy or gift for a 4 month old that our gift guide will help you find the perfect gift for that little person in your life.
