What’s It Like to be 1 Month Old?

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.