It may be hard to believe that an entire month has gone by already! Your 1-month-old baby is still very much a newborn and still spends most of the time eating and sleeping. But at 4 weeks old, your baby is more aware of their surroundings, becoming stronger, and (hopefully) beginning to learn the difference between day and night.
You are probably finding your groove by now, but if you are finding this stage challenging, you are not alone. Four-week-old babies still don't sleep through the night, often need to eat very frequently, and many havefussyevenings, or even show signs of colic.But much of this is outweighed by the fact that they are starting to become more alert and interactive.
Let's take a look at what exciting milestones to look for this week, and what to know about 1-month-old sleep, feeding, baby care, and safety.
At This Age
Development: Your baby is becoming more aware of you, and may turn to you when they hear your voice.Sleep: Your baby spends most of the day sleeping, and still wakes up frequently at night.Food: Babies this age have varying eating patterns, but you know your baby is getting enough by how well they are gaining weight.
1-Month-Old Baby Development
Gina Posner, MD,a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, says that at 4 weeks old, your baby is becoming more communicative. “They start looking around more and responding to sound,” she says.
Your baby turns their head to you when they hear the sound of your voice. Your baby can still only see well a few inches in front of them, but they are particularly enthusiastic when it's your face they see. Babies this age are most excited by other humans, especially their family.
Unfortunately, it could be your baby is extra fussy, exhibiting signs of colic, or inconsolable crying. Colictends to peak at 4 to 6 weeks, so you may be in the thick of it. Colicdoespass eventually, easing at around6 weeksand resolving by 12 weeks.Reach out to your pediatrician with any concerns.
Many babies still spend most of their time sleeping and not doing much else. Christina Johns, MD, pediatrician and senior medical advisor atPM Pediatrics, urges parents not to worry. “At four weeks, lots of parents wonder when their baby will start to wake up and show some personality,” Dr. Johns says. “In the first month of life, newborns mostly sleep and eat and create messy diapers, so it can sometimes feel like there isn't as much bonding.”
All babies are different and grow at their own pace. Still, 4 weeks marks a time when your baby should begin to grow pretty rapidly, gaining about 1 ½ to 2 pounds per month. They should grow about one inch in length per month.
1-Month-Old Baby Milestones
As your baby grows, they are getting stronger. If you put your baby on their belly for tummy time, you may notice that they are better able to lift their head up and even move their head from side to side. Your baby is able to hold their head up more steadily, though you should still be supporting their head.
You should start to see more deliberate movements from your baby at 4 weeks, for example, that your baby more deliberately lifts their hands toward their mouth.
At this age, many parents worry if their baby hasn't met certain milestones. It may be too soon to tell if your baby is behind—after all, they are only a few weeks old!—but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that you consult your baby's pediatrician if you see any concerning signs of developmental delays.
Call your pediatrician include if your baby is not suckling well. Additionally, if you notice your baby doesn'tfollow objectsthat are close by, doesn't blink when they see a bright light, or doesn't respond to sounds, get in touch with your doctor. Other concerns include if your baby continues to seem droopy, hasn't gained strength since birth, or doesn't seem to move their arms and legs very often.
Additional Behaviors
Some other milestones you may notice by the time your baby reaches 4 weeks include:
Begins to study your faceMay hold their hands in tight fistsGets excited when you speak or start signingIs beginning to extend their legs more often, rather than keeping them flexedContinues to have many newborn reflexes, including rooting, startling, and grasping
1-Month-Old Baby Food
At 4 weeks old, your baby should be well over their birth weight and beginning to gain weight steadily, Dr. Johns says.As for feeding patterns, all babies are different, and you don't really need to count feedings anymore or log every feeding as you might have in the early days. “Feeding is very variable at this age, and the most important metric is weight gain,” Dr. Johns recommends.
Dr. Posner suggests that parents continue to feed their babies responsively, and according to their baby's cues. “I am a big fan of feeding on demand,” Dr. Posner says. “At this stage, most infants are good at knowing when they are full and when they are hungry.”
Most breastfed babies still feed about eight to 12 times a day at this age. If you are formula-feeding, Dr. Posner recommends starting at 2 ounces per feeding and then increasing by an ounce at a time if your baby seems to want more.
Dr. Johns says that one of the top concerns she sees about baby feeding at 4 weeks old has to do withpoopingpatterns. As a newborn, your baby may have pooped frequently, but it's normal if things slow down now. “Parents often ask about bowel patterns, and they can be very variable at this age, ranging from three times a day to three times a week, and all are normal,” Dr. Johns assures.
Another issue many parents grapple with at 4 weeks is spitting up. Take heart knowing that spitting up is mostly just a laundry issue. Stock up onburp cloths. “As long as the baby is gaining weight well and not in pain, this is normal,” says Dr. Posner.
If your baby seems to be uncomfortable, spitting up excessively, or arching their back as in pain after feeding, your baby may be experiencing infant acid reflux, for which you should speak to their pediatrician, who may suggest things like making sure to burp your baby, offering smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones, and holding your baby upright after feeding. In some cases, a medication that neutralizes stomach acid may be recommended by your doctor.
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1-Month-Old Baby Sleep
Sleeping is still one of your baby's favorite pastimes at this age. You can expect a 4-week-old baby to sleep a little over 15 hours a day. This will be pretty evenly divided between night and day, though your baby may be moving toward doing a little more of that sleeping at night. Most babies this age sleep about eight to nine hours total at night, and about seven hours total during the day.
Your baby's nighttime sleep is likely still broken up with frequent wake-ups, usually because of hunger.This is common, but it's normal to feel frustrated.
The biggest question parents have about sleep at this age is when their babies will sleep through the night. “They sleep a lot, but not in large stretches, so expecting them to sleep through the night at this age is a dream, not reality,” Dr. Posner says.Hang in there—your baby will get there soon enough.
Four weeks is still a time when you need to be extra cognizant of the danger of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The AAP recommends that you keep your baby in your room, but not in your bed. You should put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress without any blankets, pillows, toys, orcrib bumpers. The AAP does not recommend at-home heart or breathing monitors.
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1-Month-Old Baby Schedule
At 4 weeks, while your baby doesn't yet have a clearly defined schedule, you and your baby are probably starting to get into a bit of a routine. You might even be able to predict when your baby tends to need naps, and when they are more awake and alert. Tummy time will become even more enjoyable. The AAP recommends that you do tummy time a few minutes at a time, several times a day.At this age, you can make it part of your daily routine.
As your baby gets older, they may enjoy a play gym that has mobiles or other bright patterns. Your baby may also enjoy ababy swingat this age during those more alert times of the day. Your baby may especiallyenjoy baby swingswith bright lights and music.
1-Month-Old Baby Health and Safety
At 4 weeks old, your baby will have another well visit with their pediatrician. You are likely to have lots of questions about your baby's growth and development. Your pediatrician will ask you questions about what your baby is doing, and you can also come prepared with all your lingering questions. Don't be afraid to voice any concerns you have, big or small.
Vaccinations
At this visit, your baby will probably get their second hepatitis B vaccination; however, some pediatricians give this vaccine at the 2-month visit.At the 4 week visit, you can take some time to ask your pediatrician what to expect at this next visit, and how to prepare.
Car Seat Safety
Your pediatrician will verify that your baby is using a car seat. Babies this age should be using an infant car seat, and should continue to be rear-facing at this time.Your doctor will likely emphasize that your baby should stay in the car seat while traveling in the car. Car seats shouldn't be used for napping out of the car, and shouldn't be used while feeding.
Safe Sleep
Sleep will be discussed at this visit as well. Your baby's pediatrician will emphasize the importance of safe sleep and will remind you to always put your baby to sleep on their back, in a crib or bassinet.
They will remind you not to share sleep with your baby and underline the dangers of falling asleep with your baby on a couch, recliner, or armchair, or while under the influence of drugs or other medication.
1-Month-Old Baby Care Basics
Your baby care still revolves heavily around—you guessed it—diaper changes! Expect to change six diapers a day, sometimes more.
Diaper rash is common, especially for babies who are peeing and pooping as often as a 4-week-old is. If you are starting to see more diaper rashes right now, don't despair. There are things you can do to keep your baby's bum clear and less irritated.
The AAP recommends changing your baby's diaper frequently. Consider using a highly absorbent diaper, especially at night. Clean your baby's diaper area well, and consider applying a barrier cream with zinc oxide or petrolatum.
What Else to Know About Your 1-Month-Old Baby
As you settle into your role as the parent of a young baby, you are going to get lots of advice—some of it helpful, some of it less so. It's important to remember that you are the parent here, and are ultimately the one who makes decisions about how to care for your baby.
First and foremost, follow safety instructions from your pediatrician, especially when it comes to safe sleeping, feeding, car seat safety, and basic healthcare. But questions like how to feed your baby, how often you need to pick your baby up when they fuss or cry, and whether it's the right time to think about returning to work, are really up to you!
As long as your baby is fed and cared for, it doesn't matter exactly how that looks.
Key Takeaways About Your 1-Month-Old Baby
Although many parents start to feel like they are getting the hang of things at 4 weeks, if you still feel like you don't know what you are doing, that's perfectly common! You and your baby are still getting to know each other, and you are still coming into your own as the parent to this particular little person. This is also the peak of colic, which can be exhausting and disorienting.
You will need extra help around the house, and you definitely deserve a few extra naps. Get some fresh air, and always reach out to your pediatrician if you have any questions about your baby's behavior, care needs, or overall health.
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