1 month – Getting to know each other

Communicating

What’s New? 

During the first month of life, the baby has a big and important task of getting acquainted with the new environment in which he found himself after birth. The main way your baby communicates with you during this period is through crying. By crying, the baby sends different messages - that he is hungry, wet, tired or simply that he needs a comforting touch.  He begins to recognize sounds — especially the voices of those who care for him.  He especially likes to hear high-pitched voices, which is why both mothers and fathers naturally use a kind of “baby talk” with little ones.

And What Can You Do to Help?

It is really important that you always respond to your baby's calls during this early period. Sometimes you might not know why your baby is crying, but even then, it is important to comfort him with your presence, voice, cuddling, stroking and gentle rocking. All this helps him feel safe. By listening to the different ways in which your baby cries, you will gradually learn what he is trying to tell you. Remember - you cannot spoil a baby by holding him in your arms, feeding him, cuddling him or talking and singing to him in a gentle voice. 

Listen to his cry and try to understand the reason for crying. The baby may cry because he just wants your touch or because he is hungry, has some discomfort (uncomfortable body position or a wet diaper), he is sleepy, has cramps or because something else hurts. Always comfort your baby by addressing him in a warm, soothing voice, taking him in your arms, rocking and cuddling him. Do not be afraid, you will not spoil him. 

Feelings

What’s New?

Your baby would rather look at your face, and other human faces, than anything else.  You are the center of his life.  He wants and needs to be close to you. This is his first relationship and it is a powerful one.  He loves to be touched, but not in a way that is too quick or rough.

And What Can You Do to Help?

Because your baby is not yet able to see a lot of things at a distance, get up close to him when you can — “Here I am!  Look!” Keep physical contact with the baby as often as possible - hold him in your arms, cuddle him. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact. Talk to him, make eye contact and smile as you feed, dress or bathe him.  Help him become calm by handling him gently and soothingly, and by speaking softly to him. 

Thinking

What’s New? 

Until now, your baby has been developing within the safe space of his mother's womb. Birth is a big change for him. Now he will learn by seeing, hearing and touching. During this period, human faces are the most interesting thing for your baby. By the end of the first month, your baby will probably be able to follow your face with his eyes if it is close enough (at about 20 to 30 cm). Things that have striking, contrasting colours - black and white or red and white, will also be very interesting for him. He may hear and recognize your voice, but sometimes he might be startled by a sudden sound and react with his whole body.  At the end of this month, your baby will be much more alert and responsive than at the time of his birth — great changes in just a few weeks!

And What Can You Do to Help?

The time he spends with you every day is key to his overall development and the development of his brain. The way you respond to your baby’s needs will shape his image of the world and the people in it.  It is so simple and so important.

Moving

What’s New?

Even though your baby’s nervous system is still maturing, he is developing rapidly during the first month of life. By the end of the first month, your baby may try to lift his head briefly when he is lying on his tummy or turn it to the side when he is lying on his back. This helps him to see where you are and observe the exciting world around him. Sometimes he will hold your finger firmly with his hand, but most of the time he will keep his hands in a tight fist. He may quiver or jerk his arms and legs in movements that will become more coordinated later, and he sometimes brings his hands near his eyes and mouth. 

And What Can You Do to Help?

Besides holding your baby, place him on his back to sleep for safety, and give him some very brief “tummy times” on your lap when he is not sleeping or being held. Give him the freedom to use his arms and legs, but also try wrapping him cosily (swaddling) when he is distressed. 

To find many more ways on how to support child development through play, go to Games section.

Parents’ concerns about development in the 1st month 

Because each child develops in his own particular way, it is impossible to predict exactly when or how your own child will perfect a certain skill. The abilities (developmental milestones) expected and listed for this period give you only a general idea of the changes you might expect as your child gets older. Please do not be worried if his development takes a slightly different path.

However, to be sure, do talk with your pediatrician [or other health provider] if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay, if your child seems to have lost some of the skills he had earlier, or if you have other reasons to be concerned:

• Your baby is crying a lot, and you are not able to comfort him  
• He sucks poorly and feeds very slowly  
• He sleeps more than expected (more than 16 hours a day), or he does not sleep peacefully  
• He is not moving his arms or legs at all 
• He does not startle when a loud noise is made 
• He does not blink at bright lights.