Your Baby Month 1
What's Your Baby Up to This Month?
Your Baby: Month 1
- Some of his first movements will be reflexes, like a sucking reflex
- He can respond to your voice, and stare at your face for increasing periods of time
- He can begin to follow or "track" an object with his eyes, although this is not fully developed yet
- His hearing is muffled at first
- He may gain better neck control and, when on his tummy, can lift his head a couple inches for a few seconds
- He may sleep between 12 and 20 hours a day
An Amazing Month
If you think a lot is changing for you this month, consider your newborn. He was born wrinkly and covered only in fluid. His vision was blurry and his hearing muffled, but he recognizes your body scent and voice intonation patterns. His main activities for these first few weeks will be sleeping (12-20 hours a day), eating (every 3-4 hours), crying and making involuntary reflexes. By the end of the month, he'll be better at everything and feeling more and more at home.
Relax with My Mommy
Your baby can sense your presence and may relax when he is in your arms and gently rocked. And why not? You two were inseparable for 9 months. He loves your face, your smell, and the sound of your voice. He'll stare at you, and seem to listen when you talk. Chat to him when you're alone, and cuddle and sing to him whenever you can.
Getting Stronger Every Day
An average newborn gains about two-thirds of an ounce a day. To fuel all that growth, they start to take in more milk with each feeding. His spontaneous kicks and stretches are toning his tiny muscles. If you put him on his tummy during playtime, he'll soon start to pick his head up for a few seconds as he gains better neck control.
A Fuzzy, Shadowy World
He can't see the world the way you do yet, but his vision has already improved from birth. This month, he'll be attracted to high-contrast patterns and bright colours. Shadows, black-and-white photos, human faces and special toys for young babies will capture his visual interest. Soon he'll be able to follow an object as it moves. Try it. Just be careful not to overstimulate him; you want him to start learning about day and night.
Baby Games: Month 1
Change Her Worldview
Try holding her against your chest, facing over your shoulder. Support her head gently but firmly.
Imitate Her Actions
When she's quiet and alert, watch to see what she does, then do it back to her.
