4-Month-Old: Week 2

A bigger, stronger baby is also likely to be a more wiggly one at diaper changing time. You'll want to be sure to keep one hand on her at all times during changes. Some parents like to place a musical mobile above a changing station so their baby will have something to look at. Keeping a basket filled with toys you rotate or make available only during diapering may also help her lie still long enough for you to do the job.

How your baby's growing

By now, your baby can play with her hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. She's quite fond of doing one action over and over again until she's sure of the result. Then, she'll switch things up just a bit to see if the result is different.

Suddenly you realize it's strangely quiet in the bedroom and look in, only to discover that your baby, who so far has needed your attention for most of every waking moment, is amusing herself in her crib. You might be able to start reading the paper again — well, maybe just the headlines.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting your partner involved
If you're the primary caregiver, it may feel like a reflex by now to step in whenever your baby starts crying. But it's a good idea to give your partner the chance to be the soother, too. Not only does this give you a break — which is huge! — but it adds to his confidence level and provides bonding opportunities.

There are plenty of methods you can encourage your partner to use, but it's also important to leave him room to experiment and learn on his own.

Remind your partner to assess the baby's needs (diapering, feeding, burping) and to fulfill those first. If crying continues, he can try to soothe the baby by holding him close, rubbing his back, or giving him some infant massage.

Many babies are comforted by gentle, rhythmic motion, which helps a parent feel like he's doing something. Dancing, rocking, or swinging the baby may do the trick.

Distraction is another popular method. He can try playing the entertainer with silly stunts, singing, and funny sounds and expressions.

3 questions about: Pink eye

What is pinkeye?
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergen. The membrane covering the white of your baby's eyes and the inside of his eyelids becomes irritated. As a result, your baby's eyes may look watery, inflamed (reddish), or crusty. One or both eyes can be affected.

What should I do if I think my baby has it?
Call your baby's doctor immediately. He'll need to examine your baby's eyes and can recommend specific treatment depending on the cause. It's also important to wash your hands often, especially before and after you examine your baby's eyes to avoid spreading the infection. You can easily contract it yourself. Keep your baby home from daycare and wash all bedding, washcloths, and towels frequently.

What is the treatment for pinkeye?
If the cause is bacteria (bacterial conjunctivitis), your baby's doctor will prescribe antibiotics, usually in the form of eyedrops or ointment. If the cause is a virus (usually the case when your baby also has cold symptoms), he may recommend diligent — but gentle — cleaning of the area and waiting it out for about a week. If the cause is an allergen, he'll work with you to identify the allergen, which you'll then need to eliminate from your baby's environment as soon as possible; special eyedrops may also be recommended.Sometimes babies have a blocked tear duct that makes them vulnerable to infection. Depending on the nature of your baby's case, his doctor may suggest massage or lukewarm compresses to help unclog it. In rare cases, surgery may be needed for a duct that remains blocked for a long time.