Newborn to One Month | Download to Print

Normal Development
Raises head slightly from prone position
Blinks in reaction to bright light
Focuses briefly on objects and faces
May cry up to 2-3 hours a day

Diet
Breast or bottle-feed every 3-4 hours
Use iron fortified formula
If exclusively breastfeeding, may need to supplement with vitamins
Do not give water. Babies get their fluids through formula or breast milk

Sleep
Place your baby on his/her back to sleep
No pillows or heavy blankets
Most babies will sleep through the night by four months

Safety
Do not leave infant on elevated surface unattended
Infants should be placed in a rear facing car seat in the back seat
Never leave unattended in bathtub
Do not hold hot liquids or cook while holding the baby
Install smoke detectors

Baby Noises
Hiccups, sneezing, snorting through the nose and irregular breathing patterns often alarm new parents. These are all normal.

Crying
All babies cry, sometimes several hours a day, even when all their needs are met. Talk to your doctor if you are worried.

Stooling and Urination
Stools can vary from several times a day to skipping a day. Breastfed stools are often liquid and yellow and can occur with every feeding.
Urine stream should be straight and strong.

Postpartum Depression
This is an exciting time in your family. You will have good days and bad days, with very little sleep. However, if you find yourself crying excessively, not wanting to get up and get dressed, not able to enjoy your baby, you should talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN. Postpartum depression can affect you with any pregnancy and occurs in all socio-economic classes.

Stimulation
Babies at this age prefer to look at faces and strong contrasts in color. It is important to hold your infant and sing and talk to him/her.

Sickness
Avoid exposing your newborn to anyone who may be ill. Good hand washing is important for everyone who is in contact with the baby. If you suspect illness, take a rectal temperature and call us immediately for greater than 100.5 F. If you do not know how to take a rectal temp, purchase a digital thermometer and bring it with you to the next visit. We will show you how to do this. Ear and underarm temperatures are not accurate in this age group.

DO NOT GIVE ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN FIRST!!! THIS INCLUDES TYLENOL.