Baby - First Month

'Development - First Month'

What your baby does at this age:	Opens his mouth and searches for a nipple, sucks and swallows. Puts fists in mouth. When alert, watches your face and listens to your voice. Thrusts out his arms and legs in play. Rolls partway from back to side. Grasps your finger. Communicates with you by crying when he's angry, bored, or uncomfortable. Sleeps most of the day, waking every 2 to 3 hours to feed.
Important Changes:	Your baby's vision comes under better control as his eye muscles develop. The eye muscles are still unsteady, though, so eye movements will be uncoordinated some of the time. Personality starts to emerge. One baby maybe noisy and impatient, while another is quiet and easy going. At the end of this month, first smiles begin to emerge in response to your talking, cooing and touching. Already, your baby is becoming a social creature. Your baby's feeding schedules becomes more regular as the weeks pass.
Caring for your baby:	Change your baby's diaper frequently. Most babies this age have two to four bowel movements a day -often right after feedings. Keep your baby's fingernails clipped so he won't scratch himself. When your baby cries, hold him and talk softly or hum. Or gently stroke his head, back, arms, and legs. Try to set aside time for older children if you have them. It will ease sibling rivalry and boost the self esteem of children who feel they have to take a back seat to the baby. Identify a doctor for your baby, one whom you trust and communicate with well. Be sure to take your baby in for a check-up when he's between two and four weeks old.