First-Month Baby Development

For a breastfeeding mom, this month can be especially challenging. We can help with tips about latching on, common feeding positions, and more. See our guide in Breastfeeding Basics.

If your baby is fussy at feeding time, (whether breastfeeding or formula feeding), our Tummy Trouble Tool can give you ways to ease their discomfort.  

Easing into the new feeding ritual:

• Feed your baby frequently, in small amounts. A newborn will not eat much at each feeding for their first 2 or 3 days.
• Watch for “ready to feed” signals. These include lip smacking, tongue movement, and eye fluttering. Crying is a late sign of hunger. 
• Talk softly to your baby during feedings. This helps them learn your voice and link it to feeding.          

Despite sleeping through half of each day, by the time your newborn is 30 days old, they’re way more “awakened” than they might seem. One month is an age of learning and discovery for you both.  

Feeding schedule: This depends. Usually by 1 month, your baby will likely be drinking 2 to 4 fl oz, 7 to 8 times per day. 

How often will they sleep? Your little one will likely sleep 2 to 3 hours at a time, for 16 to 18 hours total per day. 

Baby talk: listen closely, they’re already communicating.  
While still in the womb, your baby used some of their senses to get to know you. Now, they’re taking in everything in their “outside” world. Your baby will be using this information to begin to communicate with you as best they can.  

In their first month, your baby’s range of sight is about 12 inches. They will stare a lot and will like bold shapes and high-contrast objects. They love looking at close-up faces, especially your expressions, and may even imitate them.  
  
Your baby will generally like sounds that include changes in tone or pace, such as your voice or music, but will react negatively to loud sounds. His hearing is well developed, but at 1 month old, he’ll probably not seek out sources of sound. If a noise startles him, he may cry, stiffen his body and legs, or thrust their arms outward and back from their chest.
  
Early reflexes are very basic, such as:  

• Grasping. Your baby will grasp for objects or fingers but won’t take hold.  
• Yawning. This gets a lot of air into their little lungs.  
• Rooting. It helps them learn to open their mouth and find your nipple for feeding.  
• Pulling back. This reflex usually signals pain or injury.  
• Sneezing. A sneeze will clear their nasal passages.  
• Turning head to side. This move helps open their airway if their breathing is hindered.

Hooray, your little one will likely sleep for 2 to 3 hours at a time now, for a total of 16 to 18 hours a day. You can help establish a sleep routine by feeding them on a consistent schedule. Share unusual sleeping changes or concerns with your pediatrician.  

Have questions about SIDS?
Learn about SIDS at the American Academy of Pediatrics..

Regular vaccinations are still the only way to protect your baby—now and for years to come—so be sure to get your baby immunized to help keep them healthy. 

At month 2, your baby will be zero talk but a whole lot of actions. Read ahead to learn more about what you can look forward to in Month 2.