One Month Visit
General
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Be sure you have scheduled a six week post-partum check to discuss how you are
feeling and make any arrangement you want about birth control. Be sure to
talk about any prolonged feelings of sadness.
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If you are breastfeeding, you should not be feeling any discomfort. Talk
to your pediatrician if you are.
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You may be thinking about returning to work. Finding good child care will
help you feel better about your decision. There are community resources
available to help you. Talk to other parents about their experiences.
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It is hard to find time for your baby, your partner, your family and yourself,
but a balance is important.
Caring for Your Baby
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Many babies need help developing a regular sleep/wake pattern. Establishing
a routine is very important. Put your baby in his crib when drowsy so he will
associate it with sleeping and will remember it as a familiar place when he
wakes up.
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Always put your baby to sleep on his back and in his own bed or bassinette.
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Consider using a pacifier for all babies at this age. Using a pacifier during
sleep is strongly associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Never put the
pacifier on a string around the baby’s neck.
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A young baby cannot be spoiled by holding, cuddling, rocking or singing. Responding
to your baby’s cry will teach him that he will be cared for.
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Many babies are fussy in the late afternoon or early evening. Keep your
baby with you and hold, talk, pat, stroke, bundle, rock, sing to your baby or
let them suck. Sometimes nothing seems to work to calm a fussy baby.
Seek help from others if you feel overwhelmed or frustrated with the baby.
Never shake or yell at a baby. Slings help to calm some babies, but should not
be used on babies who have a neuromuscular or neurologic problem.
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It is normal for your baby to calm themselves by sucking on fingers or his
pacifier.
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Your baby needs tummy time to develop head control and get used to being on his
stomach. While awake, place your baby in a position where he can see
around the room and you can talk and interact with him, even as you are doing
household chores.
Nutrition
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An infant who cries inconsolably for several hours a day and passes a lot of
gas could have colic or reflux. Talk to your pediatrician if you are
concerned.
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Do not offer your baby food other than breast milk or formula until around 4-6
months. At this age an exclusively breastfed baby may not have a bowel
movement every day.
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Infants may have a growth spurt between 6-8 weeks of age and will eat more
during that time.
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Always hold your baby in a partly upright position while feeding to avoid
choking.
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As infants grow they are more easily distracted during feeding and may need
gentle repetitive stimulation to stay on task. Talk or sing to your baby
and look into his eyes.
Safety
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Remember that your own personal habits will set an example for your children.
Wear your seat belts. Never smoke around the baby, in the house or in the
car. Babies exposed to smoke are at risk for SIDS, ear infections, asthma and
other reparatory illness. If you smoke, ask your physician for resources to
help you quit.
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Babies should always be in the back seat of your vehicle in a rear facing car
seat.
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When changing diapers or clothing, keep one hand on your baby. He is
starting to move around more and falls are the number one cause of injury.
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Keep bracelets, necklaces, toys with strings or loops away from your baby.
Never put anything around your baby’s neck. Keep dangling electrical and
telephone cords out of reach.
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Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order.
