{"id":25395,"date":"2024-11-12T18:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T18:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=25395"},"modified":"2025-07-31T14:10:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T14:10:01","slug":"1-month-old-baby-all-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/newborn\/1-month-old-baby-all-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"1-Month-Old Baby: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Already <strong>1 month<\/strong>! It\u2019s already been several weeks since your baby came and <strong>shook up your daily routine<\/strong>. And as you\u2019ve probably noticed, they\u2019re growing and already acquiring <strong>new abilities<\/strong>. Motor development, sleep, feeding\u2026 What\u2019s going on with your baby right now?<\/p>\n<p>1-month-old baby: here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n<h2>Motor and Cognitive Development<\/h2>\n<p>In just one month, <strong>your baby has already changed a lot<\/strong>: they\u2019re developing not only physically but also cognitively. Let\u2019s look at these new milestones.<\/p>\n<h3>Motor Development<\/h3>\n<p>Your baby\u2019s psychomotor development follows <strong>several principles, including the cephalocaudal rule<\/strong>. In other words, <strong>the closer a muscle is to the brain, the sooner it will be controlled<\/strong>. Development progresses <strong>from head to toe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>At 1 month, your baby first begins to acquire <strong>neck control<\/strong>. This control ability will then <strong>gradually extend down the body<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you may observe:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Head control<\/strong>: although their head still drops when unsupported, your baby is beginning to lift it when on their stomach.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Involuntary movements<\/strong>: they don\u2019t yet have full control of their limbs, but they\u2019re not immobile! Their limb movements are still mostly reflexive and involuntary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sucking and sucking reflex<\/strong>: this reflex is essential for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cognitive Development<\/h3>\n<p>Cognitive development in a 1-month-old baby mainly focuses on <strong>their ability to perceive and respond<\/strong> to their environment.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Limited vision<\/strong>: your baby can only see up to 30 centimeters and mainly detects contrasts. At this stage, their vision allows them to follow objects with their eyes, especially your face, if they\u2019re close and moving slowly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voice recognition<\/strong>: although they don\u2019t understand words yet, your baby recognizes and is comforted by your voice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>When to worry?<\/h3>\n<p>The developmental stages mentioned above are <strong>general indicators<\/strong> of a baby\u2019s progress. However, <strong>every child develops at their own pace<\/strong>! So don\u2019t worry if your baby is ahead or behind others.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you notice <strong>a sudden halt in development<\/strong>, don\u2019t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn more? Feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1pblulz8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">download the May app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you&#8217;ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Language and Communication<\/h2>\n<p>At 1 month, your baby begins their fascinating journey into the world of <strong>language<\/strong> and <strong>communication<\/strong>. While they can\u2019t <strong>speak<\/strong> yet, they already have <strong>powerful ways of communicating<\/strong>. Infants <strong>mainly use crying<\/strong> to express hunger, discomfort, or fatigue. These cries are <strong>the first signs of language development<\/strong>. In the second month, your baby will likely begin <strong>making their first cooing sounds<\/strong> (\u201cgoo-goo\u201d), an early step toward language.<\/p>\n<p>To <strong>encourage language and communication development<\/strong>, it\u2019s important to create <strong>an environment rich in interaction<\/strong>. Here are some daily ways to stimulate them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Talking<\/strong>: even though they don\u2019t understand words yet, your voice is familiar and soothing. Talk to them during feedings, describe what you\u2019re doing, or tell them about your day. It supports their development and strengthens your bond.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skin-to-skin contact<\/strong>: physical contact fosters nonverbal communication and strengthens the emotional connection between you and your baby (though it\u2019s not mandatory \u2014 there are as many ways to bond as there are parents).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Using facial expressions<\/strong>: your baby is fascinated by faces. Exaggerate your facial expressions when you talk to help them grasp the emotional context of your words.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Responding to their cries<\/strong>: by responding to your baby\u2019s cries, you show them that their attempts to communicate are effective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cute-european-baby-in-knitted-suit-1-month-old-ba-2024-10-18-04-40-16-utc.webp\" alt=\"1-month-old baby: all you need to know may app health\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cute-european-baby-in-knitted-suit-1-month-old-ba-2024-10-18-04-40-16-utc.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cute-european-baby-in-knitted-suit-1-month-old-ba-2024-10-18-04-40-16-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cute-european-baby-in-knitted-suit-1-month-old-ba-2024-10-18-04-40-16-utc-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cute-european-baby-in-knitted-suit-1-month-old-ba-2024-10-18-04-40-16-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Feeding and Nutrition<\/h2>\n<p>At 1 month, your baby\u2019s diet <strong>consists exclusively of milk<\/strong>, whether breastmilk or formula. Milk is <strong>their main source of nutrients<\/strong>, essential for their growth and development.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Feeding frequency varies<\/strong> between babies, but it\u2019s generally recommended to <strong>feed on demand<\/strong> \u2014 that is, whenever your baby shows <strong>signs of hunger<\/strong>, such as crying or sucking motions.<\/p>\n<h3>Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n<p>Choosing between <strong>breastfeeding and formula<\/strong> is a deeply personal decision. The only right choice is <strong>what works best for you<\/strong>. Don\u2019t hesitate to discuss it with your healthcare professionals during pregnancy.<\/p>\n<p>As for breastmilk: it is <strong>tailored to your baby\u2019s needs<\/strong>, providing antibodies that strengthen their immune system and protect against infection.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re breastfeeding, here are <strong>some practical tips<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remember<\/strong>: find a <strong>comfortable position<\/strong> for both you and your baby (skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate the sucking reflex), and bring your baby to the breast with their mouth wide open for a good latch.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Feeding rhythm<\/strong>: let your baby feed at their own pace. It\u2019s normal for them to fall asleep during feeding \u2014 it\u2019s a soothing moment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support<\/strong>: don\u2019t hesitate to ask a lactation consultant for help and personalized advice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Infant Formula<\/h3>\n<p>If you choose formula, <strong>don\u2019t feel guilty<\/strong>: it\u2019s a <strong>healthy and nutritious alternative<\/strong> for your baby \u2014 and most importantly, it\u2019s what suits you best. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choosing the right formula<\/strong>: ask your pediatrician for guidance in choosing the right one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a physiological feeding position<\/strong>: a semi-upright position is ideal for bottle-feeding, as it helps your baby better control milk flow.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Feeding rhythm and quantity<\/strong>: let your baby drink at their pace, respecting the recommended amounts. Again, it\u2019s normal for them to fall asleep during feeding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Good to know: between 1 week and 1 month, for a baby weighing 3 to 4 kg, it\u2019s recommended to give <strong>7 to 8 bottles per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/millennial-mixed-race-mother-sitting-on-her-bed-h-2024-10-19-13-55-41-utc.webp\" alt=\"1-month-old baby: all you need to know may app health\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/millennial-mixed-race-mother-sitting-on-her-bed-h-2024-10-19-13-55-41-utc.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/millennial-mixed-race-mother-sitting-on-her-bed-h-2024-10-19-13-55-41-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/millennial-mixed-race-mother-sitting-on-her-bed-h-2024-10-19-13-55-41-utc-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/millennial-mixed-race-mother-sitting-on-her-bed-h-2024-10-19-13-55-41-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Sleep of a 1-Month-Old Baby<\/h2>\n<p>Ah, baby sleep\u2026! While there\u2019s no manual, here are a few insights to help you understand how sleep works for a 1-month-old baby.<\/p>\n<p>At this stage, <strong>your baby is beginning to develop a more structured sleep pattern<\/strong>, although <strong>they still don\u2019t distinguish between day and night<\/strong>. They sleep for <strong>16 to 20 hours<\/strong> per day, in <strong>very short cycles of 40 to 50 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Good to know: during the first few weeks, your baby\u2019s sleep is made up of <strong>two phases<\/strong>: <strong>active (REM) sleep<\/strong> and <strong>quiet sleep<\/strong>. <strong>REM sleep accounts for about 80% of total sleep<\/strong> (8 to 10 hours a day). That\u2019s why <strong>they may move, stretch, make noises, or open their eyes while sleeping<\/strong>! In quiet sleep, their face is calm, breathing steady, and body relaxed.<\/p>\n<h3>Night Wakings<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Frequent night wakings<\/strong> are <strong>completely normal<\/strong> for a 1-month-old. They are usually related to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Short sleep cycles<\/strong>: your baby doesn\u2019t yet know how to fall back asleep on their own.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hunger<\/strong>: with a small stomach, they need to eat frequently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How to Improve Your Baby\u2019s Sleep?<\/h3>\n<p>Though it\u2019s <strong>too early to establish a full sleep routine<\/strong> or expect a full night\u2019s sleep, <strong>some tips may help<\/strong> your baby (and you) sleep better:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Create a calming sleep environment<\/strong>: make sure their sleep space is quiet and dimly lit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Introduce a bedtime ritual<\/strong>: simple actions like a lullaby or skin-to-skin before bed can help.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Respond to their needs<\/strong>: answer their cries to reassure them and help them fall asleep more easily.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch for signs of tiredness<\/strong>: try to spot when your baby is getting tired so you can put them to sleep before they\u2019re overtired. (These signs are hard to read at this age but will become clearer over time.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-month-old-baby-boy-is-sleeping-2023-11-27-04-52-44-utc.webp\" alt=\"1-month-old baby: all you need to know may app health\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-month-old-baby-boy-is-sleeping-2023-11-27-04-52-44-utc.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-month-old-baby-boy-is-sleeping-2023-11-27-04-52-44-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-month-old-baby-boy-is-sleeping-2023-11-27-04-52-44-utc-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-month-old-baby-boy-is-sleeping-2023-11-27-04-52-44-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Health and Medical Care<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Regular check-ups<\/strong> with a pediatrician or general practitioner <strong>allow you to monitor your baby\u2019s development<\/strong> and stay up to date with <strong>required vaccinations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Between 1 and 6 months, it\u2019s recommended to <strong>schedule monthly visits<\/strong>. These check-ups help monitor <strong>your baby\u2019s weight, height, and head circumference<\/strong>. Your doctor will also assess <strong>muscle tone<\/strong> and overall <strong>development<\/strong>. It\u2019s also a great time to ask questions and get personalized advice.<\/p>\n<p>Tip: before each appointment, <strong>make a list of questions<\/strong> and bring any important documents, such as your insurance card and your baby\u2019s health record.<\/p>\n<h3>Vaccines This Month<\/h3>\n<p>The vaccination schedule <strong>starts in the first few months of life<\/strong>. Starting in month two, your baby will receive <strong>their first vaccines<\/strong> to protect against serious illnesses. While the <strong>BCG vaccine<\/strong> (for tuberculosis) has not been mandatory in France since 2007, it is still <strong>strongly recommended<\/strong> in specific cases (such as if your baby is from or traveling to a country with high tuberculosis prevalence, or has family history of exposure).<\/p>\n<p>Take this opportunity to <strong>ask about upcoming required vaccinations<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Common Illnesses at 1 Month<\/h3>\n<p>Babies at this age are <strong>often prone to mild illnesses<\/strong> like colds or colic (both of which should be managed promptly to avoid complications). If your baby shows unusual or persistent symptoms, <strong>consult a pediatrician<\/strong> for a proper diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, at 1 month, <strong>your baby is slowly beginning to take control of their body<\/strong>, starting with the head and neck. <strong>Their cognitive abilities are also improving<\/strong>, and they communicate mainly through crying.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8528\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/portrait-of-a-1-month-old-baby-cute-newborn-baby-2023-11-27-05-27-23-utc.webp\" alt=\"1-month-old baby: all you need to know may app health\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/portrait-of-a-1-month-old-baby-cute-newborn-baby-2023-11-27-05-27-23-utc.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/portrait-of-a-1-month-old-baby-cute-newborn-baby-2023-11-27-05-27-23-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/portrait-of-a-1-month-old-baby-cute-newborn-baby-2023-11-27-05-27-23-utc-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/portrait-of-a-1-month-old-baby-cute-newborn-baby-2023-11-27-05-27-23-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>Photos: sarawaniza | ckstockphoto | StiahailoAnastasiia | natalialebedinskaia | monkeybusiness<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US\/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Already 1 month! It\u2019s already been several weeks since your baby came and shook up your daily routine. And as you\u2019ve probably noticed, they\u2019re growing and already acquiring new abilities. Motor development, sleep, feeding\u2026 What\u2019s going on with your baby right now? 1-month-old baby: here\u2019s everything you need to know. Motor and Cognitive Development In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":12595,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[192],"tags":[160],"class_list":["post-25395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newborn","tag-baby-awakening"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25395"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25398,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25395\/revisions\/25398"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}