If you think a lot is changing for you this month, consider your new-born. He/she was born wrinkly, the vision was blurry, and the hearing muffled. By the end of the month, they will be better at everything and feeling more and more at home.

Baby Development: Month One

  • Some of your baby's first movements will be reflexes, like a sucking reflex

  • Your new-born can respond to your voice and stares at your face for increasing periods of time

  • After one month, your baby can begin to follow or "track" an object with their eyes, although this is not fully developed yet

  • Your baby's hearing is muffled at first

  • After one month, your baby may begin to gain better neck control and, when on their tummy, can lift the head a couple of inches for a few seconds

  • Your baby 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 new-born. He/she was born wrinkly and covered only in fluid. Their vision was blurry and the hearing muffled, but they can recognize your body scent and voice intonation patterns. Their 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, they will 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/she is in your arms and gently rocked. And why not? You two were inseparable for nine months. He/she loves your face, your smell, and the sound of your voice. He/she stare at you and seem to listen when you talk. Chat to him/her when you're alone, and cuddle and sing for him/her whenever you can.

Getting Stronger Every Day

An average new-born gains about 19 g a day. To fuel all that growth, they start to take in more milk with each feeding. Their spontaneous kicks and stretches are toning their tiny muscles. If you put them on their tummy during playtime, they will soon start to pick their head up for a few seconds as they gain better neck control.

A Fuzzy, Shadowy World

They can't see the world the way you do yet, but their vision has already improved from birth. This month, they will be attracted to high-contrast patterns and bright colours. Shadows, black-and-white photos, human faces and special toys for young babies will capture their visual interest. Soon they will be able to follow an object as it moves. Try it. Just be careful not to overstimulate them; you want them to start learning about day and night.

Baby Games: Month One

Change your baby’s Worldview

Try holding your baby against your chest, facing over your shoulder. Support the head gently but firmly.

Imitate their Actions

When they are quiet and alert, watch to see what they do, then do it back to them.

Reference

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