Parenting Tips for Your 1 Month Old Baby
How I Grow and Talk
- I cry when I’m hungry, wet, tired, in pain, or when I want to be held.
- I’m beginning to make some throaty sounds.
- I like your hand behind my neck when you move me, so my head doesn’t wobble.
- I turn my head sideways when I’m on my stomach.
- I root around and try to suck even when I’m not feeding.
- I roll part of the way from my back to my side. Never leave me alone in a place where I could fall. Keep the sides of my crib up and latched when I’m alone.
- I keep my hands in a fist or slightly open most of the time.
- I have a soft spot on my head. My skull was soft to allow me to be born more easily. My flexible skull will give my brain room to grow.
How I Understand and Feel
- I feel comforted when you hold me close, smile, and talk gently to me. Don’t be afraid of spoiling me because I need to be held and touched.
- I tune in to Mom’s voice, and I like to hear her heartbeat and similar beats or rhythms. I spent a lot of time listening to her voice and heartbeat before I was born.
- I can recognize Mom by her smell. As Dad and other caregivers play with me and help me, I’ll recognize them too.
How I Respond
- I like to look at things that have a light verses dark contrast.
- I like to look at your face the most, but I like mirrors, too. I make eye contact with you.
- I stare at things, but I don’t grab for them yet. Please change my position so I can look at different things.
- I don’t show much expression in my face, but I will soon!
- I may smile when I see or hear you. Don't believe those people who say I’m smiling because of gas. Babies smile for real (it’s not just a reflex) within two to eight weeks after birth.
Learn more about Your 1 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
