Congratulations, you survived your first month of parenthood! It’s incredible how quickly time flies when you have a little one. While the past few weeks may have felt like a blur, your baby has been busy growing and developing. Soon, you’ll notice these 1-month-old milestones.
Table of contents
- What are developmental milestones?
- Major 1-month-old milestones
- Help your baby reach their 1-month-old milestones
- What if your baby seems behind?
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills or abilities that most children can perform at a certain age. They’re general guidelines for tracking your baby’s development and noting any possible concerns.
Keep in mind that every baby is unique. Your little one may already be able to do some of the milestones listed below, while they may not do others for a few more weeks.
That’s normal, so don’t worry if they don’t meet every milestone on time. As long as they’re making progress, there’s no need to be concerned.
Why do doctors track milestones?
Milestones give healthcare providers and parents a general idea of a child’s growth and development. For example, if a baby consistently falls behind in several areas, it could indicate a developmental delay or another issue.
By tracking these milestones, doctors can identify potential concerns and arrange early intervention if needed. They’ll likely ask you about your baby’s progress at each checkup.
Major 1-month-old milestones
Now that you know what developmental milestones are, let’s dive into the 1-month-old milestones your newborn may be reaching. Here are some essential areas of development to keep an eye on.
Movement
Your little one won’t be rolling over, sitting up, or crawling at only one month old. However, they are developing the muscles that’ll allow them to do those things later on.
At this point, you’re likely seeing your baby make jerky movements with their arms and legs. Their hands are getting closer to their face, but they haven’t yet “discovered” them. That skill usually happens between six and eight weeks, so it won’t be long.
They may move their head from side to side during tummy time, but their neck is still wobbly. Be sure to offer plenty of support when you’re holding your baby.
Also, newborn reflexes continue to cause movement. You’ll notice your baby:
- Rooting and sucking when their mouth is stimulated
- Jerking their arms and legs as they startle in response to a loud noise
- Making stepping motions when their foot touches a hard surface
- Grasping your finger when you put it in their palm
These reflexes will fade as your baby ages, but they’re developmentally appropriate for now.
Sight and sound
When your baby is awake, they use their senses to learn more about the world around them. Their eyes and ears continually take in information, and as their brain develops, they’ll learn to put all that data together.
You are your baby’s favorite person to look at and listen to. While they can’t yet see far — only 8 to 12 inches — they can focus on your face while eating and playing. Soon, they’ll be making eye contact and smiling.
Their hearing is mature, and they’re beginning to recognize familiar sounds. When they hear your voice, they may respond with joyful kicks and arm thrusting or try to turn their head in your direction.
Smell and touch
Your baby’s nose and skin also help them learn. They prefer sweet smells to bitter ones and can recognize the scent of their mother’s breast milk.
Babies also have preferences when it comes to touch. Soft, gentle handling helps them feel safe and secure. They love being held close and cuddling. In addition, skin-to-skin contact can help them calm down when they’re upset.
How to help your baby reach their 1-month-old milestones
You can support your baby as they learn and develop. Here are some simple things you can do to help them meet their 1-month-old milestones.
Be intentional
We get it — newbornhood is a blur, and you may still be struggling to find a new normal. But even amidst the chaos, try to be intentional when interacting with your baby. Make time each day to put your phone down, take a deep breath, and focus on your little one.
Use this time to get to know them. Watch their facial expressions and body movements as they interact with you. Respond to their cues and mimic their sounds.
As you do these things, you’ll help them feel connected to you and build trust in you and their environment.
Narrate your day
Talking to your baby is an easy way to help them learn language and make connections between words and objects. While it might initially seem strange, narrating your day can teach your baby a lot.
Tell them what you’re doing as you change their diaper, prepare a bottle, or do the dishes. Mix it up by using a singsong voice or talking in a higher or lower pitch than normal.
Your baby will love hearing the variety in your voice, and they’ll soon start to recognize patterns in language.
Read to them
It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Choose simple books with bright colors and high-contrast images. While the pages won’t capture their attention right now, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of learning.
You don’t always have to read exactly what the book says. Feel free to talk about the pictures, point to objects, and use your own words to tell what’s happening in the book. This process will help your baby develop critical language skills.
Start tummy time
Tummy time helps your baby build strength in their neck, arms, and core. It can also prevent flat spots from developing on the back of their head.
Find a safe spot for your little one. The Travel Crib & Play Yard is a good choice, as is a thick blanket on the floor.
Carefully set them down on their tummy. Most babies don’t enjoy being on their stomachs, so keeping tummy time short is OK for now. As your little one grows, they’ll be able to tolerate this position for longer periods of time.
Consider getting down on the ground with your little one. Use your voice or toys to draw their attention toward you. This will help keep them engaged and make tummy time more enjoyable.
Encourage good sleep habits
Babies grow when they sleep. Making sure your little one gets enough rest is crucial for their development.
Of course, one-month-old babies aren’t yet sleeping through the night. They may even have their days and nights mixed up still. But one of the best things you can do to help you both get more sleep is to encourage good sleep habits.
Always follow the safe sleep guidelines, which include:
- Having a flat and firm sleep space for your newborn (like a bassinet or crib)
- Sleeping in the same room but not the same bed
- Putting your baby to sleep on their back
- Keeping blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other objects out of your little one’s bed
In addition, you’ll want to create a soothing sleep environment. Keep the temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and install blackout shades on the windows. Dress your baby in comfortable sleeping clothes, and consider running a white noise machine.
Finally, consider implementing a simple bedtime routine. Eventually, this will signal your baby that it’s time for sleep. It can be as simple as a bath, lotion, and pajamas, followed by feeding and a goodnight kiss. The key is to keep it consistent and calm.
What if your baby seems behind?
Despite your best efforts, your baby may seem behind on their 1-month-old milestones. While everything is likely fine, you’ll want to watch for signs of possible developmental delays.
These include:
- Persistent crying or fussing
- Lack of energy or lethargy
- Rarely moving their arms or legs
- Seeming stiff or floppy
- Not focusing on a nearby object
- Having trouble eating
Talk to your doctor
If you notice any of the above warning signs or have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician. They can help you understand what may be causing the delay and provide resources and support for your baby’s development.
A solid foundation for learning
The first few months of your child’s life build a foundation for their future development. While it’s important not to stress too much about your baby’s progress, it’s good to be aware of the typical 1-month-old milestones and how you can support your baby’s growth.
Embrace each new accomplishment with pride and joy. And as you celebrate, remember that Newton Baby is here for you and your family as you navigate this exciting journey.
We have a variety of beds for your little one, from our Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper to our Convertible Cribs. Our mattresses are breathable and hypoallergenic, giving you peace of mind that your baby is sleeping safely and soundly.
You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your baby reach new milestones!
