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Peninsula Kids
Home»Blogs»Granny’s Guide to … four month monsters
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Granny’s Guide to … four month monsters

Updated:January 25, 202311 Mins Read
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FOUR MONTH MONSTERS: WHY BABIES CHANGE AT THIS AGE

BY: YVETTE O’DOWD

She is the delight of our lives – charming, endearing, bringing smiles wherever she goes.

She is a happy, contented baby who hasn’t got a worry in the world.

But last week everything changed.

My granddaughter turned – FOUR MONTHS OLD!

And after all my years of experience around babies, I know that just about all the wheels are about to fall off, big time!

If there is only one thing I know, then it is to expect the unexpected between ages 4 and six months. Just when the clouds begin to clear after the early daze, your life starts to have some pattern and your baby becomes more confident, interacting and enjoying life – Mother Nature shifts things up a gear and it all goes back to square one again!

So what can my daughter anticipate over the coming weeks?

Distracted feeding:

After early breastfeeds taking up to an hour of concentrated sucking, around four months, babies begin to notice that the world doesn’t stop while they eat and they keep stopping to check in case they miss something! Their growing brain hasn’t given much attention to distractions during feed times: TVs can blare in the background, conversations roar, appliances scream and the younger baby just sucks away, oblivious! But now – in the period before they develop the ability to screen out unwanted distractions, they respond to every single one. Someone opened a door – oh, did you want me to smile at you? The cat walks along the couch – hey cat, looking for me? Mummy opens a new

page on her mobile device – ooh, bright lights, look! Big brother plays with his toys – what was that? Basically, let alone tune anything out, they tune everything in!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Accept that daytime feeds are less effective, so more nighttime feeds might be needed.
  • Minimise the distractions you can control and accept the impact of those you can’t.
  • Be reassured that babies at this age are very efficient feeders and get lots of milk in those short feeds.
  • Look forward to the next stage of development, when distractions aren’t so interesting.

Short attention span and easy frustration:

Just a few weeks ago, it was all about the hands – reaching, grabbing, holding. Now that those skills are fairly well achieved, babies can be frustrated when they fail. The missed swipe at a dangled toy is irritating, not challenging. The dropped toy is frustrating, not forgotten. The attempts to roll are tiring, not fun. Tummy time gets boring, as does lying on your back. The swing was fun this morning but now it isn’t. Don’t pick me up, I want to lie down. Don’t lie me down, I want to be carried! ARGH! I am a growing brain trapped in a stalled body – help!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Accept that this is a frustrating stage for your baby and support him as he goes through it.
  • Wear your baby in a carrier or sling when you have stuff that must be done – he will like the view.
  • Try not to add your own frustrations! There is no point both of you getting upset!
  • Remember development comes in stages and this too will pass. Independent moving is just around the corner!

Increased appetite and interest in eating:

With all that is going on in both brain and body, it is to be expected that your baby may want more of all that he gains at the breast: more energy, more relaxation, more comfort, more reassurance. As always, your body continues to make all the milk he needs and, even though his feeding behaviour may have changed dramatically, you can be confident you will continue making exactly what he needs – after all, nature intends babies to breastfeed for years, not months, so there is no reason to anticipate failure.

However, as the time for introducing other foods to your baby’s diet approaches, he is starting to learn the skills and abilities needed to consume and digest them. You may start to notice the external ones – increased saliva production (which dribbles out of his mouth); practice movements of hand to mouth, as he gains the coordination needed to put food in his mouth; awareness and interest when others are eating, as he learns through observation. In Australia, it is recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed until around 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Continue to breastfeed as often as your baby needs, especially if he wants to feed more frequently. He knows what he needs and your body continues to listen to his feedback.
  • Avoid starting solids too soon – keep in mind no food other than your breastmilk will meet all his nutritional needs until around six months. Consider using the “Baby-led Weaning” (Solids) approach, which more naturally allows your baby to begin learning about foods and beginning to eat them.
    www.babyledweaning.com

Increased waking and changed nighttime feeding patterns:

Although it is normal and natural for babies to wake for breastfeeds during the night in the first year and beyond, it is also natural for adults to want uninterrupted sleep! In recent decades, the myth of self-settling infants and negative attitude to night feeds has led to confusion, conflict and guilt in a society that rates parenting ability by how soon a baby “sleeps through the night”.

Nobody really “sleeps through”. We all wake multiple times as one sleep cycle ends and another begins. We are disturbed by noises, movement and other external stimulus and we respond to feedback from our bodies to drink water, empty our bladder, adjust bedding, make ourselves more comfortable or stop a spouse from snoring! Babies are different only in their shorter sleep cycles and physical inability to independently do any of these things, plus the addition of a rapidly growing and developing body on duty 24 hours, requiring refueling day and night.

So, naturally, when developmental peaks happen night waking may increase. Not only do babies wake for feeds, but they may wake due to physical disruption as they try to roll or crawl in their sleep or mental disruption as a busy brain tries to process the input of the day. And once they wake, they need help to return to sleep in the way nature intended: feeding at the breast. In one shot, they get food, drink, relaxation, reassurance and quickly return to the next sleep cycle.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Accept that infant developmental stages can lead to sleep disruption and continue to do so beyond infancy.
  • Continue to meet your baby’s needs by breastfeeding as often as they need, night and day.
  • Find ways to support your own sleep needs during the night and day, such as co-sleeping and naps.

Weight gains, plateaus and those charts!

Recently, news reports have shown us some huge variations on the average human birth weight – babies born two or three times the size of most are always headline grabbing news! But, for the most part, the birthweight of human babies, born full-term to healthy mothers after normal pregnancies vary only within a few pounds of each other. Since the first baby was placed on the first scale, birthweight has given family something other than the child’s gender and appearance to report and has no more influence on the child’s life than they should! After all, a foetus has to fit within its mother’s womb and though we might all benefit from a longer gestation, we have really maxed-out the capacity when it comes to safely reaching the outside world!

However, once born, we each depend on two things for our potential growth – nutrition and genetics. Unfortunately, modern society has tended to focus on the first to the detriment of the second. In efforts to reduce infant mortality and increase child health, our goal has focused on measuring input via growth but often overlooking the normal variation in human size. This imbalance was made worse when babies in the mid-late 20th century were measured against a scale based on the unnatural growth patterns of non-breastfed infants from a narrow population! Thankfully, this was amended with new growth charts, but old habits die hard and we are still a society that compares babies growth and expects equality.

We all come from families who tend to look very similar, not only in facial appearance, but body type. Short, Tall, Lean, Well-padded, Broad. Narrow. And after the early weeks of life, when most babies tend to be similar in size and shape, a few months down the track, genetic patterns begin to show themselves. The short, petite build of Asia. The long, lean one of Africa. Tall, broad northern Europeans. As we migrate and blend more and more, we come to forget the origins of our forebears. However they shine out when you assemble any group – and particularly when that group consists of children of the same age. Suddenly, there are inches in difference in height and noticeable variations in shape. We expect this in skin and hair colour but forget genetics are clearly visible in body shape and height as well.

So, when we start to compare our babies growth in weight and length, we start to see greater variations and they may start to appear during this time period. As babies go through growth spurts, they may seem heavier or lighter, taller or shorter when compared to others. Especially when we visually compare them all as they play alongside each other in a group! But when all we see is a line that rises or falls on a chart, we tend to see that line as “normal” and rate our babies against it.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Remember that your baby’s weight and length are only part of the information used to assess your child’s growth and development; don’t be fooled into using them in isolation.
  • Keep in mind that growth happens in spurts; weight may increase one week, with length catching up the next. An assessment is only a snapshot of today and is an indication only.
  • Resist the competitive side of parenting; the reason your friend’s baby is two kilos heavier than yours at the same age is more likely related to genes than parenting skill!
  • Understand that times of rapid development of the brain and central nervous system aren’t measured on charts; milestones matter as much as measurements!
  • If your baby’s growth slows, don’t assume there is a problem with your breastmilk. The most likely cause is the baby; brain development, new mobility and increased activity might simply mean energy is being used elsewhere…

Of course, I use the term Four Month Monsters in the title of this post with jest! In fact, this can be a fantastic stage of your baby’s life as they begin to show their unique personality and interact with the world and everything in it! I love every minute of watching my granddaughter grow and develop and this next couple of months will be no exception. I just wish I had known more when my own three babies went through these stages, so I could have relaxed and gone with the flow. It is absolutely a very demanding time but also a time to be relished, for the next stage is mobility and suddenly, all those hours on the couch constantly breastfeeding are fond memories as you chase your baby throughout the day!


Yvette O’Dowd probably isn’t your typical grandmother.

This purple-haired mother of three and granny of one has been a breastfeeding counsellor for more than 20 years, runs breastfeeding education classes for parents expecting twins and more, facilitates local babywearing and natural parenting groups and writes for a popular parenting website.

Yvette lives in her Frankston home with her husband and son. Her daughters and their families live nearby. In her spare time, Yvette is a keen photographer and scrapbooker and is keeper of a fairy garden.

You can follow Yvette at:
www.bellybelly.com.au/author/yvette-odowd
www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork
www.facebook.com/groups/SouthEasternBabywearing

Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2017

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Bittern
Mornington Racecourse Market
Mornington Racecourse Market
14 Jul 24
Mornington
Events on July 16, 2024
Exploring Art For Kids
Exploring Art For Kids
16 Jul 24
Somerville
Events on July 17, 2024
Mornington Main Street Market
Mornington Main Street Market
17 Jul 24
Mornington
Events on July 18, 2024
18 Jul
Hastings Street Market
18 Jul 24
Hastings
Events on July 20, 2024
20 Jul
Boneo Community Market
20 Jul 24
Boneo
20 Jul
Pearcedale Market
20 Jul 24
Pearcedale
Events on July 21, 2024
21 Jul
Bittern Sunday Market
21 Jul 24
Bittern
FREEBIES OF DELICIOUS, DECADENT AUSSIE MADE CAPE BYRON ICE CREAM UP FOR GRABS AT FOUNTAIN GATE
FREEBIES OF DELICIOUS, DECADENT AUSSIE MADE CAPE BYRON ICE CREAM UP FOR GRABS AT FOUNTAIN GATE
21 Jul 24
21 Jul
Monthly Repair Workshop
21 Jul 24
HASTINGS
Events on July 23, 2024
Exploring Art For Kids
Exploring Art For Kids
23 Jul 24
Somerville
Events on July 24, 2024
Mornington Main Street Market
Mornington Main Street Market
24 Jul 24
Mornington
Events on July 25, 2024
25 Jul
Hastings Street Market
25 Jul 24
Hastings
PG Presents Jess Hitchcock
PG Presents Jess Hitchcock
25 Jul 24
Mt Eliza
Events on July 27, 2024
27 Jul
Dromana Community Market
27 Jul 24
Dromana
Events on July 28, 2024
28 Jul
Bittern Sunday Market
28 Jul 24
Bittern
28 Jul
Mount Eliza Farmers' Market
28 Jul 24
Mt Eliza
Events on July 30, 2024
Exploring Art For Kids
Exploring Art For Kids
30 Jul 24
Somerville
Events on July 31, 2024
Mornington Main Street Market
Mornington Main Street Market
31 Jul 24
Mornington
Events on August 1, 2024
01 Aug
Hastings Street Market
1 Aug 24
Hastings
Events on August 3, 2024
03 Aug
Rye Foreshore Market
3 Aug 24
Rye
Events on August 4, 2024
04 Aug
Bittern Sunday Market
4 Aug 24
Bittern
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ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

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Elmo’s Circus Dream, a dazzling new live stage spectacular making its world premiere at Caulfield Racecourse these upcoming July School Holidays from June 27th to August 3rd, 2025.

Tickets and information: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/

#sesamestreetcircus 

@sesamestreetcircus 
@cavanaghpr
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Elmo’s Circus Dream, a dazzling new live stage spectacular making its world premiere at Caulfield Racecourse these upcoming July School Holidays from June 27th to August 3rd, 2025. Tickets and information: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/ #sesamestreetcircus @sesamestreetcircus @cavanaghpr
2 weeks ago
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1/9
❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰
🌬️ Link to read in bio
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#peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #winter #lovepeninsulakids #mpgrown #local #pregnnacyandbaby #creative #education #health #spotlight #recipes
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❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰 🌬️ Link to read in bio ———————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #winter #lovepeninsulakids #mpgrown #local #pregnnacyandbaby #creative #education #health #spotlight #recipes
2 weeks ago
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2/9
#thinkingofyou
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#thinkingofyou
1 month ago
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3/9
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston!
When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event!
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#southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids 
@southsidefestivalfrankston
mornpenkids
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Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston! When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event! —————————————————————————— #southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids @southsidefestivalfrankston
1 month ago
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4/9
In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions.

Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia.

Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare.

You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au 

@rch.foundation
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In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions. Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia. Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare. You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au @rch.foundation
1 month ago
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5/9
Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research.

How can people get involved:
Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May)
Donate by calling 1800 423 444
Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures.

@breastcancertrials
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Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research. How can people get involved: Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May) Donate by calling 1800 423 444 Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures. @breastcancertrials
1 month ago
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6/9
Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum!

https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/

#mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
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Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum! https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/ #mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
1 month ago
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7/9
One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids.

https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
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One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids. https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
1 month ago
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8/9
Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌

This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday!

How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩

Have you sent your entry in? 
IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy.
FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 
@chocolate.grove 
——————————————————————————
#peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
mornpenkids
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Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌 This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday! How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩 Have you sent your entry in? IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy. FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 @chocolate.grove —————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
2 months ago
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9/9
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