What are fourth babies like?

[Just1More]

I've heard (and found it to be true) that in general, babies of different birth orders tend to have different characteristics. Something like (as babies):

First-clingy
Second-fussy
Third-calm

As they grow, it starts looking more like this:

First-leader (manifesting itself in the early days as bossiness, but is the one to get things done, after stealing the idea of #2)
Second-follower (but often the idea guy)
Third-manipulator (not in a negative way...just can work the scenerio)

Has this been true (ish) for you? What do fourth babies tend to be like?

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by Just1More

I've heard (and found it to be true) that in general, babies of different birth orders tend to have different characteristics. Something like (as babies):

First-clingy
Second-fussy
Third-calm

As they grow, it starts looking more like this:

First-leader (manifesting itself in the early days as bossiness, but is the one to get things done, after stealing the idea of #2)
Second-follower (but often the idea guy)
Third-manipulator (not in a negative way...just can work the scenerio)

Has this been true (ish) for you? What do fourth babies tend to be like?

I have 5 siblings I grew up with... that sounds pretty much how we were

#4 was always a calm baby as well (with so many big brothers/sister to play with you and help out, it helps mom a lot!) then as he got older he has been silly but pretty much quiet

[RedOakMomma]

I'm interested in this, too. Dh is the fourth-born, and this baby will be a fourth-born. In reading, though, it seems that the effects of birth order are pretty minimal...unless you're studying the personality traits as expressed within each family. Wikipedia has a nicely-written discussion of the research on birth order and personality:

...birth order effects may exist within the context of the family of origin, but that they are not enduring aspects of personality. When people are with their parents and siblings, firstborns behave differently than laterborns, even during adulthood. However, most people don't spend their adult lives in their childhood home. Harris provides evidence that the patterns of behavior acquired in the childhood home don't affect the way people behave outside the home, even during childhood. Harris concludes that birth order effects keep turning up because people keep looking for them, and keep analyzing and reanalyzing their data until they find them

That's the summary of one study, but many others come to similar findings. I think birth order is something we all like to observe and believe in a little...much like horoscopes, Year of the Animal, etc. etc. It's a fun lens to view ourselves and our lvoed ones through, but when studied it doesn't quite hold up. Some characteristics and personality traits will apply, and some won't, but we sure like to notice the ones that do!

As far as dh, he plays into the role of "fourth-born" pretty well. He's veryfamily-focused, not driven to be successful or wealthy, has a healthy respect for authority, and as an adult has had a hard time establishing his own authority/role over that of his parents and siblings. He is a very thought-ful person, tends to be a "pleaser" in his family, feels the disagreements within the family very intensely, and is rarely in a hurry. A lot of his personality seems different when he's around his full family, though...which (in my mind at least) supports the research that says these birth order dynamics are only observable, and even then not perfectly, within the family.

[Just1More]

Huh. Well, that mostly describes the fourth in my family (I'm one of 5), too. Silly, especially. And never in a hurry. Interesting.

[annettemarie]

My fourth is my good-time guy. Mostly happy, great sense of humor, knows how to work the baby angle, loving, and sweet.

[LadyCatherine185]

My sister was the 4th baby, (and 1-3 were exactly what you described!) and she was a very laid back baby. As a toddler she was extremely curious, mischevious, and active though. She climbed out of our fenced in backyard before she turned 2.

For us I really hope #1-2 aren't true, because DS was extremely clingy and fussy! I need a calm baby #2!!

[Siennaflower]

Hmmm. I think we're going in reverse here. Dd1 was my calm baby, she was very independent and just content with life. Dd2 is slightly more vocal than dd1 was, although not terribly fussy. So I guess #3 may be clingy. Guess I'll have to wait and see

[MyFullHouse]

As babies:
1- calm
2- fussy
3- clingy
4- calm

Now (at 11, 8, 7 and 3)
1- the academic
2- the boss
3- the manipulator
4- the tornado

[leighann79]

Wow, these all apply for my 4 too. lol

[boobs4milk]

my kids must have missed that memo. mine were/are:

1. fussy (but didn't like hugs/soothing)
2. calm
3. calm
4. super cling-on
5. super static cling-on

if i had another, he/she would likely insist that the cord still be attached @ college graduation.

[HeatherB]

I am very much hoping #4 is a calm, happy, sweet baby! In fact, that as a toddler would be GREAT, too. My #3 was sweet and calm as an infant; then he started moving... He is VERY active, curious, and rambunctious. Super sweet and happy, too, but he can be trying at times! A more contented toddler this time would be sooo nice.

[Forthwith]

I'm the third of four children. According to my mother we were:

1. Calm
2. Fussy/clingy
3. Incredibly fussy/clungy/high needs
4. Calm

I should mention that my mother had been over prescribed with an extremely high dose of thyroid medication when two and three were gestating/born/nursing, so that may have effected our temperaments.

[zamia7]

I am # 2 of 4.

according to my mother
1-colicky, so fussy
2(me) snuggly and calm
3-calm
4-fussy cranky (and to this day no one can get along with her, shes 24)

[Drummer's Wife]

My 4th baby was calm and chill - but the first three were, as well. He definitely seemed to roll with it easily, and can fall asleep with a lot of noise or in the car easily.

[lil_stinkyfeet]

My number 4 was my worst baby from the 0-4month was a nightmare. He is also my worst sleeper.

Now at 8mos he is pretty clingy but can actually entertain himself well for periods of time also.

Mine have all changed so much from infant hood to toddler hood to child that I can't describe anyone of them one way for an entire period of time.

[tri31]

My fourth is an easy baby. He has a temper (aries) but his storms blow right over. I feel very intuitive with him. I'd like to think it is just cause I am more experienced.
My older two adore him, and are quick to step in when I have my hands full. Lucky boy.