What milestone is commonly expected at 4 months of age regarding play?

At 4 months of age, infants are typically developing their sensory and motor skills, and one of the notable milestones during this period is their ability to actively engage with objects by grasping and manipulating them. Playing with a rattle is a classic example of this developmental stage because it allows infants to both explore their ability to grasp and also experience auditory feedback.

The act of shaking or holding a rattle helps enhance their fine motor skills while providing stimulation through sound. It encourages the infant to learn cause-and-effect relationships, as they begin to understand that their actions can produce sounds. While infants may show interest in other toys or objects that make noise, the rattle remains a significant item that encompasses various developmental benefits, specifically tailored to their current level of ability.

As infants grow, they will experiment with other types of play involving blocks or balls, but at around 4 months, the focus on simpler grasping and shaking actions with a rattle is most representative of their developmental milestone in play.