What to Expect: The First Month
Welcoming a newborn into your life is a profound experience filled with moments of joy and adjustment. During the first month, both you and your baby are adapting to new routines, from feeding and sleeping to playtime. Establishing these practices early on is crucial for your baby’s health and development. This guide offers practical tips to help you navigate the first month, ensuring that both you and your baby are cared for as you begin this incredible journey together.
SELF CARE CHECK-IN
Taking care of yourself is essential so that you can be the best for your baby. Prioritize rest, connect with loved ones, and seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
Take care of You. Your baby needs you to be rested and well. Set aside time each day to tend to your needs.
Spend time with friends and family.
If you feel exhausted or are sad for more than a few days, please talk to your healthcare provider, a postpartum doula or someone you trust for help.
FEEDING
Focus on feeding your baby with breastmilk or formula on demand. Recognize the signs of hunger and fullness to ensure they are getting enough nutrition.
Feed your baby breastmilk or iron-fortified formula.
Avoid giving solid foods, juice or water until 4 to 6 months old.
Position your baby so that you can see each other during feeding.
Help your baby wake for feedings by patting them, changing diaper, and undressing.
Feed your baby on demand when they are hungry. Stop feeding them when they show signs of being full.
Signs your baby is hungry:
Bringing hand to mouth
Rooting
Sucking or sucking on hand
Fussiness
Crying
Signs your baby is full:
Turns away
Closes their mouth
Relaxes hands and arms
Your baby is getting enough to eat if they:
Are gaining weight properly
Have 5+ wet diapers per day
Have 3+ soft stools per day
Burp your baby during breaks in feeding
Formula Feeding Babies:
Prepare and store formulas safely. Mix according to package directions. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you need help.
Feed your baby 24 to 27 ounces of formula per day. More if they are still hungry.
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400 IU) until they are consuming at least 32 ounces of formula, which may be after the first few months, but every baby is different.
Hold the bottle for your baby. Never prop a bottle.
Breastfeeding Babies:
Feed on demand—generally every 1 to 3 hours during the day. Expect 8 to 12 feedings per day.
Nursing parents should take a daily prenatal vitamin with iron
Eat a healthy diet
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400IU)
If using a bottle, do not prop the bottle. Always hold it for your baby.
BATHING
By the time your baby reaches 1 month, their umbilical cord stump has likely fallen off, allowing you to give them a full bath. Bathing is a great way to bond with your baby while keeping them clean and comfortable. Here's how to safely bathe your 1-month-old:
Full Bathing: Once the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can start giving your baby regular baths in a small baby tub or sink. Use warm water (around 100°F or 37.8°C) and gently clean your baby, starting with their face and moving down to the rest of the body. Always support your baby's head and neck with one hand while washing them with the other.
Frequency: Bathing 2-3 times a week is generally enough at this stage, as frequent baths can dry out your baby’s skin. On non-bath days, use a soft cloth to wipe their face, neck, and diaper area to keep them fresh.
Water Temperature: Ensure the water is comfortably warm but not too hot. Test the water with your wrist or elbow to make sure it's safe for your baby. Keep the room warm as well to avoid your baby getting chilled during bath time.
Safety Tips:
Always keep one hand on your baby during the bath to prevent slipping.
Never leave your baby unattended in or near water, even for a few seconds.
Use mild, fragrance-free soap designed for babies to avoid skin irritation.
Post-Bath Care: After the bath, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel, paying attention to skin folds. Apply a baby moisturizer if your baby's skin appears dry.
PLAYING
Engage with your baby through cuddling, talking, singing, and supervised tummy time to support their early development.
Hold and cuddle your baby often.
Talk, sing and read to your baby.
While your baby is awake, put them on the tummy to play. A few minutes at a time-always supervised.
Calm your baby by rocking, talking, and patting. Consider giving your baby a pacifier.
NEVER hit or shake your baby.
SLEEPING
Create a safe sleep environment by always placing your baby on their back in a crib that meets safety guidelines. Avoid soft objects or loose items in the crib.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib. Never co-sleeping with you.
Make sure their bed and mattress meet the most recent safety guidelines.
Do not put soft objects or any loose items in bed with your baby—no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.
Put your baby’s crib in your room for the first couple of months.
If you choose a mesh playpen, get one made after February 2013.
SAFETY CHECK-IN
Prioritize safety at home, in the car, and during everyday activities. Be prepared for emergencies by having a first aid kit and knowing basic infant CPR.
Safety In The Car and On the Road
Infants are extremely vulnerable to heat sickness in high temperatures and hypothermia in low temperatures. Do NOT leave your baby in a vehicle–ever.
Always buckle your baby in a rear-facing-only car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Do not take your baby out of the car seat while the vehicle is moving. Instead, find a safe place to stop the car and then attend to your little one.
Always wear your lap/shoulder belt. Do NOT text or use your phone while driving. Do NOT drive under the influence.
Never put a baby in the front seat with passenger airbags.
Safety Around Water, Sun, and Chemicals
Keep hot liquids out of reach of your baby.
Prevent tap water burns. Set your water heater to 1200F/490C
Avoid sun exposure for your baby
Tobacco-free environments are best for children.
Keep home and car smoke-free.
Avoid using pesticides in the home.
Safety in the Home and Emergency Planning
Purchase a first aid kit.
Take a first aid and infant CPR class.
Keep hanging cords or strings away from your baby. Do not let your baby wear necklaces or bracelets.
Keep a hand on your baby when changing clothing or diapers. Also, while on a couch or any raised surface.
Illness Treatment and Prevention
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Use a rectal thermometer to take your baby’s temperature, not an ear, forehead, or another thermometer. A rectal temperature of 100.40 F or higher is considered a fever.
If your child has a fever, call their healthcare provider.
Avoid crowds and make sure others wash their hands before touching the baby.
Conclusion
The first month with your baby is a time of significant change and adjustment, as you both settle into new routines. By focusing on proper feeding, engaging play, safe sleep practices, and maintaining a secure environment, you are laying a strong foundation for your baby’s growth and well-being. Remember, caring for yourself is just as important, as your health and happiness directly impact your baby’s development. Embrace this special time with patience and love, knowing that your efforts are nurturing the bond you share with your little one.
