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Baby Milestones: Month 1
Baby’s Development
By the end of the month your baby should be able to:*
- Lift head for short periods of time
- Move head from side to side
- Prefer the human face to other shapes
- Make jerky arm movements
- Bring hand to face
- Demonstrate strong reflex movements
- Focus on items 8 to 12 inches away
- Turn towards familiar sounds or voices
- Respond to loud sounds
- Blink at bright lights
*All babies are different and reach milestones on their own developmental timelines. If your baby has not reached one of the developmental items… rest assured that he or she should be able to do so shortly.
Activities
Love at First Sight
A baby’s range of vision is typically 6 to 15 inches during the first few weeks of life. This is approximately the same distance your baby may be during holding or feeding time. Cuddle-up and get to know one another; more than likely, your baby’s favorite object to look at is your face. Other stimulating visual sites are those items with strong black and white patterns.
Simon Says
Take time to watch your baby’s movements. Try opening and closing your hand and see if he or she will imitate the movement. Raise your pointer finger and close your fist. These random movements will catch your baby’s attention.
Just For Mom
Your body has gone through tremendous physical changes not only in the last month, but during the last nine months of pregnancy. Do your best to take care of yourself while transitioning into motherhood.
- Get plenty of rest. Obviously, this will help combat fatigue, but it will also help with postpartum blues.
- Baby yourself. You are not just a mother, but a woman with needs. Make sure your needs are also met so that you can provide your baby with love and care.
- Communicate. Talk to friends, other mothers, and your family. Communicate how you’re feeling and what thoughts are on your mind. Ask as many questions as you can; you are as just as important to your loved ones as the bundle of joy you brought into the world.
Did You Know?
- Babies are always born with blue eyes, and within a few moments of delivery their eye color can change.
- Newborns usually double their weight by 6 months.
- Women are more likely to give birth on a Tuesday than on any other day of the week.
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