During the 1st month, your newborn will go through different developments. Although it will take a while before your baby can discern a lot of things, your newborn’s language capabilities start developing from day 1.
According to research, even a 4-week-old baby can differentiate between the sound of ‘na’ and ‘ma’. Also, they can hum, babble, and coo, to show their feelings. Babbling in a singing voice will help foster their development. Bring them close to your face. Talk and make facial movements so they can see your expression.
Your baby’s senses at one-month-old
Your baby has gone through a lot of developmental stages in your womb. At month 1, your baby’s hearing becomes sensitive and developed.
They’ll start turning head towards a sound source. Monitor their response when you rattle, shake or clap your hands from afar – they may look or blink slightly.
Try playing songs or sing nursery rhymes to your baby. Your little one may react differently to different sounds and music. It’s an early sign of their love for music, maybe!
Sight
Your baby’s vision is blurred, but they tend to focus better at one month. They still can’t see beyond 30cm. So when you’re smiling, bend in close so they can see you. Also, one-month-old babies track a moving object by shaking their head. But when it disappears, they won’t know it existed. Don’t fret if your baby looks slightly cross-eyed sometimes – it requires a lot of strain to focus.
Motor skills at one month old – Movement and awareness
The motor skills of a newborn aren’t developed yet. But at month 1, they may find their arms and legs, even if they hit themselves by accident. Also, they will need another month before getting any coordination.
Head control
At month 1, your baby’s neck muscles are still weak. But your baby can put their head up for a moment, especially you hold them or when they lie on their tummy. They can also turn their head to the side.
How to help your child develop in month 1
Maintain a lively conversation with them and maintain eye contact often though they may not understand you clearly. However, your voice will comfort them and activate their language skills.
Select a noisy and bright toy like a rattle and move it over their line of sight so your baby can follow it.
Hang a mobile toy above your child’s cot. It’ll help them to focus. Furthermore, make sure that they’re shiny with high contrast.
To conclude, all babies are born different. They will do things at their own time and pace. But we can always encourage them!