Your One Month Old
Your baby is much more awake and alert. He's spent the last weeks adapting. This month he is ready to interact, opening up -- his hands in greeting, his mouth in grins, his eyes to take in the world! Get ready for smiles, excited flailing of hands and arms, and baby-initiated playtime.
Jump to these developmental stages:
Social/Emotional | Language | Cognitive | Large Motor Skills | Fine Motor Skills
Social/Emotional Development
She responds to your excitement by becoming excited both in vocalizations and movements. Did you know a baby could wiggle that quickly? (Mom did -- she felt it in the womb!) When you speak, your baby will establish eye contact, smile and study your face. She'll even make vague attempts to copy your gestures.
As well as delight when she "finds" you, she has begun responding with distress -- for example, when you put her down! Often this innovative little one is able to sooth herself with a fist or thumb. Are you upset? She may notice your mood and also become upset.
Language Development
He'll "talk" face-to-face with you, making aahh and oooh sounds, squeaks and gurgles; then pause while you take your turn to talk. His gestures emulate yours as he learns the intricacies of communication. Watch for him to initiate talk-time with a wiggle, a smile or a coo.
Mothers instinctively use upbeat tones and exaggerated facial gestures to talk to their babies. If you're worried your instincts haven't quite kicked in, here are some tips to get your early communication off to an even better start.
- Capture your baby's attention by calling him by name and establishing eye contact.
- Keep your conversation simple and lively.
- Talk about what you're doing and ask him questions.
- Give baby a turn. When he looks away or gets a vacant expression signaling he's tired of chatting, stop.
Cognitive Development
Sometimes while your little one is flailing his arms, a hand stops in front of his face and he will stare intently. He may not yet realize that hand belongs to him, but soon will.
He is able to see more clearly, further away and to follow movements more smoothly. What are his favorite sights? At the top of the list is your face! He still prefers high contrasts like black and white even though he is beginning to see colors. He loves bright ones like those of autumn leaves.
Every experience helps build neural connections in his quickly developing brain. It's especially evident when he offers a cue and expects a response. He might gurgle or squeal, then wait quietly for you to come rescue him. If you don't respond to his request, he is apt to protest more loudly! Another clue that his brain is learning -- he can tell the difference between a nipple that gives milk and one that doesn't. That old pacifier trick doesn't work now when he is hungry.
Large Motor Skills
Her limbs begin to relax and stretch out from the tightly flexed position of a newborn. She startles and twitches less frequently. During tummy time, she can lift his head to 45° for a short time. It is wobbly while held sitting, but so much stronger than just a month ago.
