Development of a 1 Month Old Baby

The development of a 1-month-old baby varies among infants. Caregivers should avoid comparing their babies too much with other babies at this age. When concerns arise, the caregivers should consult the baby's pediatrician, who can assess the baby's development and conduct further developmental evaluations as needed.

Considerations

• Early development of babies depends upon many factors such as whether the baby was delivered prematurely or at full-term at 40 weeks gestation. Also, activity levels vary among infants, which may affect how quickly the infant learns new physical skills.

Time Frame

• Some babies may achieved 1-month skills before the 1-month mark and some may achieve 1-month skills several weeks after the 1-month mark. Typically, the child's pediatrician will ask questions about developmental milestones at regular check-ups to monitor the child's development.

Physical Development

• At the age of 1 month, most babies can lift up their heads when they are laying on their tummy. Also, many can hold their head up briefly when being held in an upright position and turn their heads from one side to the other when lying on their backs. Most babies at this age also briefly follow objects with their eyes. According to American Pregnancy, infants should gain about 5 to 7 ounces each week during this time.

Social Development

• Most 1-month-old babies show interest in and stare at faces, especially familiar caregiver faces. In addition, 1-month-old babies may respond to familiar voices by quieting. Some babies may even display genuine smiles and possibly even laugh when amused. Also, babies at this age cry to show displeasure.

Language Development

• At the age of 1 month, about 50 percent of all babies make sounds. These sounds will involve the vowel sounds ooh and aah.