• In the first month, babies typically gain 150-200 grams per week and grow about 4 cm per month.
• Birth weight usually increases by 10-15% by the end of the first month.

Average Measurements for Indian Babies:

Key Milestones:

• Motor Development:
  • Reflexes: Strong rooting, sucking, and grasping reflexes are essential for feeding and initial interactions with the environment, marking early motor skill development.
  • Moro Reflex: The startle response to sudden sounds or movements, causing flailing arms and legs, is a normal reflex indicating neurological health.
  • Tummy Time: Engaging in daily tummy time helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, preparing for future motor milestones like crawling.
  • Head Lifting: Briefly lifting the head during tummy time shows developing neck muscle control.
  • Wiggling: Gentle rocking movements suggest the early stages of muscle coordination necessary for rolling over.
• Cognitive Development:
  • Tracking Movement: The ability to follow slow-moving objects with their eyes indicates the development of visual tracking skills, a key aspect of cognitive processing.
  • Hand Movements: Opening hands occasionally to grasp nearby objects demonstrates early problem-solving and interaction with the environment, reflecting cognitive growth.
• Communication and Language Development:
  • Response to Voices: Turning towards familiar voices or quieting down upon hearing them shows the infant's recognition and understanding of auditory stimuli, foundational to language development.
  • Early Sounds: Engaging in cooing and gurgling represents the initial stages of verbal communication, where infants experiment with sounds.

• Social and Emotional Development:

  • Eye Contact: Focusing on faces and nearby objects is crucial for social engagement and bonding, indicating the infant's interest in social interactions.

  Each of these milestones indicates your baby's progress in the right direction.

Baby Feeding Techniques

• Breastfeeding:
  • Hold your baby close with their head slightly tilted back to allow proper latching.
  • Ensure your baby's mouth covers the entire nipple and part of the areola to prevent soreness.
  • Alternate breasts during feeds to stimulate milk production equally.
• Bottle Feeding:
  • Use a slow-flow nipple to mimic breastfeeding.
  • Hold the bottle at an angle to keep the teat filled with milk and reduce air intake.
  • Burp your baby mid-feed and after feeding to release trapped air and avoid discomfort.

Milk Supply in the First Month

• For Breastfeeding Mothers:
  • Milk supply works on demand; the more your baby nurses, the more milk you produce.
  • Signs of adequate milk supply include regular wet diapers (6-8 per day) and steady weight gain.
  • Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get rest to maintain a healthy milk supply.
• For Formula Feeding:
  • Use the recommended formula as per your paediatrician’s advice.
  • Ensure proper sterilisation of bottles to prevent infections.

Signs Your Baby is Hungry:

• Rooting or turning their head towards the breast or bottle.
• Sucking on their hands or smacking their lips.
• Crying (a late hunger cue).

Signs Your Baby is Full:

• Relaxed hands and body.
• Turning away from the breast or bottle.
• Falling asleep after feeding. 

Sleep Patterns in the First Month

• Babies sleep for 16-18 hours daily, mostly in short stretches.
• Establish a routine by dimming lights and reducing noise at night.
• Ensure a safe sleep environment:
• Use a firm mattress.
• Place the baby on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Baby Vaccine Schedule

• Ensure your baby receives the BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) within the first month

Newborn Baby Essentials

• Soft clothes, nappies, and burp cloths.
• A firm crib or bassinet.
• Sterilisation kits for bottles.
• Baby-safe skincare products.

Baby Bath

• Bathe your baby 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free baby soap.