Great. Your baby has already been at home for a month and you do not even remember the time when he or she was not there.
Your baby is now one month old and entering the second month.
The journey continues.
In this series of articles, we are focusing on physical, mental and behavioural characteristics that are typically exhibited at each stage. However, remember that every child is unique and that is what we love about them. Some will exhibit certain behaviours early and some later. Just learn to enjoy parenthood and your children and go on the journey with them.
Also, when you read this series of articles, don't leave after reading one entry. Look at the entries for earlier and later periods also. This series of articles is written as a continuum and not as distinct entries for each period. For example, if your baby is six months old, read all entries from four to eight months.
Do bring it to your doctor's attention if there is an abnormal delay in reaching a developmental milestone. Regular visits to the paediatrician are required to ensure that your baby is progressing normally.
From the mouths of babes
- My brain is growing. I am absorbing and learning by seeing, hearing and touching
- I am starting to learn the different tones of your voice (happy, excited, tired, upset) and your different facial expressions
- I don't like lots of noise.
- I may drool a lot and even spit up a few times during the day.
- I can smile, especially when I see familiar faces.
- I love to hear my name
- I will start making some noises with my mouth
- I know that you will feed me when I am hungry. The food service is really good around here!
- Your baby maybe able to roll from her back to a sideways position
- Your baby maybe able to lift his head a little bit, when he is lying on his tummy
- Your baby's head is still wobbly and will need constant support.
- Your baby will use about 7 to 10 diapers per day. As long as the diapers are reasonably wet, the baby is getting enough fluids. Bowel movements may decrease in some babies. If the stools are soft (not watery, not hard), your baby is not constipating.
- Continue to breastfeed. You are helping your baby's immunity
- Respond to the sounds your baby makes. It lets him know you are paying attention to him and that you care.
- Look her in the eye and respond when her eyes lock on you.
- Keep talking to the baby
- Sing him a nursery rhyme or two
- When your baby is fussy, pay attention to him. It helps him learn about feedback and how he can tell you what is uncomfortable for him.
- High contrast toys with primary colours
- Toys that make soft sounds when rolled or moved or squeezed
- Simple rattles without harsh noises
- Toys with human face features like eyes
- Toys that are light and easy to grasp - soft plush animals & dolls, squeeze balls
- Toys with simple designs (straight lines, simple shapes, bull's eye etc.)
- A well secured mirror toy can also be hung in the crib
- Get rest when you can. Rest and/or sleep when your baby sleeps
- Come talk to us, the Parentree community
- Take time to play and enjoy with the baby
- Give your baby love and attention, it helps her bond with you and also helps her brain develop
- Play with your baby
- Take him on short walks
1. Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your One Month Old, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 2002
2. Indian Academy of Pediatrics, IAP Policy on Infant Feeding
3. Toy Safety Publications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission