Department of Health
Health Information
Child Woman
Health Information >> Classified by Life Stages >> Child
* Classified by Life Stages

  Birth to First Month Download

The birth of a new baby means great joy to the family and signifies the beginning of a new journey for all. Although it may seem that your baby does nothing other than eat, sleep, cry, and fill his diapers, he is actually adjusting and getting to know this new world. An important relationship is gradually building up between you as you respond and care for your baby. By the end of the first month, your baby will become more active, alert and responsive. He will start to move his limbs more smoothly. He will become more aware of the surroundings and responsive to your face and sound in the environment. By the end of the first month, your baby will be able to: Movement * Move with jerky, mostly uncoordinated arm thrusting and leg kicking * Lift head briefly when lying on her tummy but cannot support head without assistance * Keep hands fisted most of the time but can reflexively grasp whatever is placed in her hand * Bring hands within range of the mouth and eyes * Startled by sudden noises and movements Vision * Show preference for human face, followed by high-contrasted patterns eg. Black-and-white patterns * Focus best at near, about 8 to 10 inches * Follow human face or large attractive objects briefly
Hearing * Pay attention to human voice especially high-pitched ones * Respond to sound by blinking, jerking of limbs, or 'freezing' of his own activity * Soothed by mother's voice and soft music Social communication * Recognize the scent of mother * Smile unselectively at first and then in response to social stimulation Other senses * Distinguish certain smells, eg the scent of her mother and breast milk * Sensitive to touch, holding, stroking and rocking lightly. Cuddling will calm the baby down * Dislike rough and abrupt handling Stimulating infant's development What you can do: * Respond to your baby's cry * Cuddle and hold him * Talk and sing to him * Exchange look with him
Toys that you can choose: * Mobiles with highly contrasting colours and patterns * Music box or soft music from tapes or CDs * Soft toys that make gentle sounds The above information only gives you a general idea of the changes expected as your child grows. Each baby is unique wide variations in the pace of development are often normal. Don't be alarmed if your baby's development takes a slightly different timing or your baby fails to attain certain abilities at some stage. It may only signal a need for special attention. Discuss with doctors or nurse if, by the end of this period, your baby * Seldom moves her arms or legs * Appears excessively floppy or stiff * Does not blink to bright light * Does not focus or follow your face briefly at near * Does not respond to loud noises If you have any concerns or queries, discuss with nurses and doctors in any MCHC. We have a series of childcare and parenting workshops and leaflets for expectant parents, parents of infants and preschool children. Please contact our healthcare personnel for information. Family Health Service Department of Health

 
  Back Back to Top  
 
 

Last revision date: 01 September 2006