The 1-month-old baby is a little more active than the newborn and can already lift his head for a short time when placed on his stomach. During this phase, the baby can also follow movements close to him and stare at a light point.
At this age, babies tend to be very sleepy, sleeping around 16 hours a day and waking up around 2 to 3 times at night, especially to breastfeed.
A 1-month-old baby should be fed exclusively with breast milk and on demand, which is when the baby wants to breastfeed. In situations where the mother is unable to breastfeed, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends the use of infant formula, in accordance with the pediatrician’s recommendations.
It is important to remember that each baby is unique and has its own rhythm of growth, sleep, and play. Therefore, in cases of doubt about the baby’s development, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician.
Baby weight
The following table indicates the baby’s ideal weight range for this age, as well as other parameters such as height and head circumference, according to the World Health Organization:
If the baby presents values above or below those indicated, it is recommended to consult the pediatrician to assess the child’s development.
Baby sleep
A 1-month-old baby’s sleep is still irregular and the baby tends to sleep around 16 hours a day, and may wake up 2 to 3 times a night, especially to feed.
Some babies tend to “change day for night”, which is common at this age as they do not yet have a schedule. Some suggestions to help regulate your baby’s sleep at this stage are:
- If your baby wakes up too early, try to keep him in his crib so he can sleep a little longer;
- Keep the room a little darker, so as not to wake the baby;
- Reduce noise at home;
- Let the baby sleep in his own crib;
- Give the last meal at bedtime.
Furthermore, it is also important to maintain the same routine before bed so that the baby gets used to the sleep schedule.
Baby feeding
According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, a 1-month-old baby should be fed exclusively with breast milk, which must be offered on free demand, which is when the baby wants to breastfeed.
Exclusive breastfeeding with breast milk is recommended until 6 months, as breast milk contains all the nutrients and water that the baby needs. Furthermore, the World Health Organization recommends offering breast milk until the child is 2 years old or beyond, when possible.
However, if the mother cannot breastfeed the baby, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends the use of infant formula, which must follow the pediatrician’s instructions regarding the quantity and type of formula. Learn about the different types of infant formula.
It is worth remembering that babies who are fed infant formula need to drink 700 ml of water per day, and it is important to consult their pediatrician regarding the need to offer pure, filtered or boiled water, in addition to that used to prepare bottles.
Baby development
The 1-month-old baby can see up to 30cm away, following objects and people that move around him and fixing his gaze on bright and eye-catching objects. To say that he wants something or that something is bothering him, the baby usually expresses himself through crying.
Furthermore, the baby perceives and moves to follow the origin of different types of sounds and, normally, prefers higher-pitched sounds.
Babies at this age already have a palmar reflex, which is when they can hold whatever is placed in their hand more firmly.
At 1 month, the baby lifts his head for a few moments when lying on his stomach, even if he is not yet able to support it. At this stage, the baby also begins to make some sounds, with babbles and screams.
See, in the following video, how to stimulate your baby’s development:
Toys for the baby
Games for 1-month-old babies are simple and important to improve the emotional bond with parents or guardians and stimulate the child’s cognitive development.
To stimulate the baby, parents or guardians can hold the baby’s hand and open his fingers carefully or place their hand over the baby’s hand, letting him hold one of the fingers, always trying to look at the baby, talking or singing during the baby. joke. It is important to wash your hands before starting this game, as the baby may want to put the person’s fingers in his mouth.
Another interesting game is to put a bell, or bracelet that makes some noise, tied to the wrist, and calmly pass your hands close to the baby’s face so that he or she tries to follow the image and sounds. This game generally encourages the baby to hold the hands of the person playing.
A 1-month-old baby can walk in open places such as parks or squares, but it is recommended that walks be taken before 10:00 or after 16:00. However, it is not recommended to expose a 1-month-old baby directly to the sun, nor should sunscreen or sunblock be applied at this stage, and the use of umbrellas, caps and clothing for protection is recommended.
When to consult the pediatrician
If you suspect that the baby is not gaining weight, has difficulty breastfeeding or is not developing well, it is recommended to consult your pediatrician for an evaluation and receive guidance.
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The pediatrician is the most recommended doctor initially to identify changes in the growth and development of babies, monitoring the children’s weight, head circumference, length and neurological development.
