Key takeaways: In the first month, babies see best at about 8 to 12 inches, prefer faces and high-contrast patterns, recognize their parents’ voices, and have strong reflexes. Supervised tummy time, talking, holding, and responding to cries all support development. The CDC’s first milestone checklist is at 2 months.
The first month is about adjusting to life outside the womb. Your newborn is learning more than you might think.
Senses
- Vision: newborns see best at about 8 to 12 inches, about the distance to your face while feeding. They prefer faces and high-contrast patterns. Vision is blurry at a distance.
- Hearing: babies hear well at birth and often recognize their parents’ voices. Most U.S. hospitals screen hearing before discharge.
- Touch: skin-to-skin and holding are soothing.
- Smell and taste: newborns can recognize the smell of their mother’s milk.
Reflexes
Newborns are born with reflexes that fade over the first months, such as:
- Rooting: turning toward a touch on the cheek.
- Sucking.
- Moro (startle): throwing arms out when startled.
- Grasp: curling fingers around yours.
- Stepping: making stepping motions when held upright with feet on a surface.
Movement
- Movements are jerky and reflex-driven.
- Babies may briefly lift their heads during tummy time.
- Hands are often fisted.
Social Skills
- Calms to your voice or touch.
- Looks at faces.
- Cries to communicate needs.
How to Support Development
- Hold and cuddle often. You can’t spoil a newborn.
- Talk, sing, and read to your baby.
- Make eye contact during feeds.
- Supervised tummy time: start with a few minutes a few times a day, including on your chest.
- Respond to cries. This builds trust.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if your baby: doesn’t respond to loud sounds, doesn’t seem to look at faces, is very stiff or very floppy, feeds poorly, or you have any concerns.
The Bottom Line
Your newborn is learning through closeness, faces, voices, and touch. Hold, talk, and respond, and bring concerns to your doctor.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the signs. Act early. Milestone checklists. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Newborn reflexes; developmental milestones: 1 month. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
