The birth of a baby is a miraculous event. When born, the baby is completely dependent on their mother for all needs, but over time they will learn many things and rapidly progress towards becoming an individual. In the first year, your baby acquires knowledge and habits that will form the foundation for future years. Premature babies may have slightly slower development levels compared to full-term babies. The first month will be challenging but filled with new experiences as your baby adjusts to the world and their family.
Vaccines
The first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered on the day of birth before the baby is discharged from the hospital. Hepatitis B is a disease that can be easily transmitted; once it spreads in the body, it can lead to liver infection, liver failure, and cancer. It’s very important to immunize the baby against this disease. For premature and low birth weight babies, there may be a waiting period before administering the vaccine.
The second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is given after the baby completes their 1st month. In the few days following the vaccination, the baby may experience restlessness, mild fever, and redness at the injection site. These are mild side effects and typically pass within a short time. For more serious effects, you should consult your doctor.
Immediately after birth, vitamin K is administered as a vaccine to newborns, as they cannot produce it immediately and its deficiency can lead to problems such as umbilical cord bleeding.
Physical Development
It’s normal for your baby to have swelling on their body and face in the first few days after birth. Especially in vaginal delivery, the baby’s head may appear elongated and pointed. Due to their inability to fully control their eyes and facial structure, they may appear cross-eyed. These appearance defects will pass over time. As the body swelling subsides, babies typically lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first week. After this weight loss, babies start to gain weight rapidly. For a while after birth, the baby’s muscle structure will improve in the coming days as they are accustomed to their position in the womb. Newborn babies spend 16-18 hours of the day sleeping in their first months. They have no concept of night and day. They spend the rest of their time feeding. Breastfed babies should feed every 2 hours, while formula-fed babies should follow the schedule recommended by your doctor. In the first weeks, necessary care should not be neglected until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s nervous system begins to develop from birth. From their first months, they lay the foundations for movements they will make in the future. Babies are born with a sucking reflex. Feeding should begin without delay after birth. The Moro reflex, which develops in the womb and continues for a few months after birth, is seen when the baby suddenly spreads their arms outward in response to sudden movement or loud noise. This motor skill, which disappears over time, is important for the baby’s development. Objects with contrasting colors and bright materials start to attract their attention this month. They may react to the sound of rattles. Thanks to the grasping reflex, they hold tightly when you put your finger in their palm. Within 1 month, they start to recognize their arms and legs. As they can’t hold their head up yet due to weak muscles at this stage, their head must always be supported when held.
Emotional and Social Development
Babies express their need for help by crying. They indicate hunger, need for diaper change, fatigue, sleepiness, and all other needs in this way. Crying periods can sometimes last for a long time. You will become better at understanding what they want over time. They recognize their mother by her voice and smell, and can be calmed by their mother’s help when crying. They see distant objects blurrily. However, they enjoy making eye contact with people nearby. They will like it when you talk to them while making eye contact. Touching, making contact, giving small massages, and singing lullabies will be the best way to communicate with a 1-month-old baby.
Language Development
The baby’s crying is an action that prepares the ground for speech. From birth, making small sounds, mouth movements, and the intensity of crying contribute to language development. When you talk to them, they focus on you and follow your mouth movements. They especially react to the voices of people like their mother and father.
→ You can also read our article on 2-Month-Old Baby Development.
