Newborn Milestones: What Your Baby Can Do Within Their First Month

Congratulations, you have a new bundle of joy! Your newborn baby is already learning a lot and adjusting to their new life outside the womb.

How Old Is A Newborn Baby?

According to the Department of Health, a baby is called a newborn during their first 30 days of life. They are then called infants until they turn a year old.

Children are grouped into stages because most children within the same age group should have acquired their age-specific skills. These behavioral, functional, and physical age-specific skills are called developmental milestones.

When you visit the pediatrician, they check your baby’s physical and developmental growth. The doctor will want to measure your baby’s length and weight and check for developmental milestones.

“[Developmental milestones] are a way for us to gauge that our kids are developing as expected,” says pediatrician and child health specialist Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao. 

Although it might be a while before your baby says dada and starts toddling around, your newborn will still achieve a few milestones within their first month! 

What Happens During a Newborn’s First Month?

It might seem like your newborn is not learning much because all they ever do is sleep, eat, and cuddle. But sleeping, eating, and cuddling is how your baby learns about their new world!

“It is good to remember that each child develops at their own pace."

Pay close attention to your baby whenever you feed them, hold them in your arms, and rock them to sleep. You will notice some small but definite changes as the weeks pass.

Week 1

• By the first week, your baby will be able to recognize your voice. Babies can already hear at 35 weeks inside the womb. It means they can recognize Mom’s voice, at the least.
• An excellent way to encourage this skill is by talking to your baby often. Singing is a great way to introduce more sounds, too.
• Of course, your baby will not understand the words you say. But hearing your voice during feeding, napping, and cuddling time will let them associate your voice with love and comfort.
• However, make sure you talk to your baby in a soft voice. Newborn babies are easily startled by loud noises.

Week 2

• By the second week, you might notice that your baby will be able to gaze at you when you hold them near.
• Your baby still has poor eyesight at this age and can only focus on things that are about 8-20 inches away. But this distance allows them to focus on your face during some activities, such as feeding time. Try to move your head from side to side and see if they track you with their eyes!
• You can also try sticking your tongue out during “tummy time,” which is when you lay your baby on their belly on top of you. You might see your baby stick their tongue out!

Week 3

• By the third week, you might notice that your baby’s movements are much less jerky.
• Your baby has been gaining muscle strength and control just by wriggling about. Giving them plenty of “tummy time” also helps with neck strength and control.
• You might notice your baby moving their arms and legs equally now. They might also be able to lift their heads for a few seconds when they are on their stomach.
• Just continue giving your baby plenty of “tummy time.” It is best to lay them on their belly for 3-5 minutes several times a day.

Week 4

• Your baby is almost a month old!
• By this week, your baby might be more aware of their environment. You might notice your baby getting excited when they hear your voice. Your baby might also start studying your face and tracking it by moving their head from side to side.
• Your baby has also been gaining muscle strength, so you might notice that they can lift and hold their head better during “tummy time.” You might also see your baby making tight fists with their hands and extending their legs more often.
• This week, you might also see your baby raising their hands to their face. Soon your baby will start deliberately bringing their hand to their mouth, and then it will be time for finger and fist sucking!

What If My Baby Doesn’t Meet Their Target Milestones?

Seeing your baby hit the developmental milestones for their age (or even beyond their age!) must be exciting. On the other hand, it must be distressing if you think your baby is behind in their development.

Dr. Cuayo-Estanislao offers expert advice: “While there is a typical age when most children are able to achieve a milestone, it is good to remember that each child develops at their own pace. It is important to always check in with your pediatrician so they can help you monitor your child’s development.”

Remember that babies develop and grow at their own pace. Some may grow faster, while some may take more time. As long as you constantly check in with your pediatrician, you do not need to fret!