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Congratulations on reaching your baby's one-month birthday! As you celebrate this special moment, it's essential to ensure that your little one is healthy, happy, and thriving. Here's a guide to help you navigate this stage, including important health information and developmental milestones for your one-month-old baby.​

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Developmental Milestones

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• Physical Growth: By one month, your baby may have gained some weight and grown in length since birth. While growth rates vary among babies, steady weight gain is a positive sign of healthy development.

• Movement: Your baby's movements may still be limited to reflexes, such as rooting, grasping, and startle reflexes. However, you may notice more purposeful movements and increased muscle strength over time.

• Visual Development: While your baby's vision is still developing, they may begin to focus on objects and faces up close. High-contrast images, such as black and white patterns, can capture their attention.

• Social Interaction: Your baby may show signs of social engagement, such as making eye contact, responding to your voice, and smiling in response to stimuli.

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Health Considerations

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Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to ensure your baby receives recommended vaccinations and monitor their growth and development. The first appointment should be scheduled within the first week of the baby’s birth. The next appointment should be set for when your baby is 2 months old.​

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• Feeding: Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure your baby is getting enough nutrients for healthy growth and development. Monitor feeding cues, such as rooting, sucking, and swallowing, and seek support from lactation consultants or healthcare providers if needed.

• Sleeping: Establish a safe sleep environment for your baby, placing them on their back to sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or soft objects. Follow the "ABCs of safe sleep" - Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib.

• Caring for Your Baby: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before handling your baby and keeping their surroundings clean. Monitor your baby's temperature, watch for signs of illness, and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about their health.

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Sources:

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• Healthy Children. (2022, August 03). Newborn Reflexes. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/newborn-reflexes.aspx

• Nationwide Children's. (2023). Infant Vision Birth to One Year. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/infant-vision-birth-to-one-year

• Naitre et grandir. (2020, March). 1 Month old: Social Development. https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/step/0-12-months/development/1-month/baby-1-month-social-development/

• Government of Canada. (2023, October 26). Safe sleep: Naptime, nighttime, every time. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/safe-sleep/safe-sleep-tips.html

• Rourke, L., Leduc, D., & Rourke, J. (2020). Rourke Baby Record: Evidence-Based Infant/Child Health Maintenance [PDF]. Rourke Baby Record. https://www.rourkebabyrecord.ca/pdf/RBR%202020%20NAT-EN-1vpp-BLK-2020-Apr-29.pdf

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This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html#a1.1