First-Month Baby Development

Breastfeeding can be especially challenging this month. 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), ask your baby's pediatrician how you can help them feel better. In addition, 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. 

Feeding schedule: Most babies don’t need to be on a strict feeding schedule and are fed when they show signs of hunger. At 1 month of age, babies will likely drink 2 to 4 fl oz of formula or breast milk, 7 to 8 times 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.  
  
In general, your baby will enjoy sounds that include changes in tone or pace, such as your voice or music, but will react negatively to sounds that are too loud. Their hearing is well developed, but at 1 month old, they probably won’t seek out sources of sound. If a noise startles your baby, they may cry, stiffen their body and legs, or thrust their arms outward and back from their chest.
  
Early reflexes are very basic, such as:  

• 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.

How often will they sleep? Your little one will likely sleep 2 to 3 hours at a time, for 14 to 17 hours total per day.¹ Share unusual sleeping changes or concerns with your baby's pediatrician.

Have questions about SIDS?

Learn about SIDS from 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. 

Reference: 1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep. CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed August 13, 2024.