1 Month Milestones

The first month is a time of enormous adjustment - for your baby and for you. Your newborn is getting used to life outside the womb, and their main jobs right now are eating, sleeping, and being close to you. Developmental milestones at this age are mostly reflexive, meaning your baby is not choosing to do them - their nervous system is wired to respond automatically. This is completely normal and expected. Every baby develops at their own pace, and there is a wide range of normal. If something worries you, trust your instincts and ask your pediatrician. No concern is too small to bring up.

Lifts head briefly when on tummy

CDC WHO

When placed on their stomach, your baby can briefly lift their head up before setting it back down.

What it looks like

During tummy time your baby raises their head for a second or two, wobbling, then lowers it back to the surface. The lift is small - just enough to clear the mat - and they may turn their head to one side.

Typical range

birthavg 1 mo2 mo3 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Most newborns can do this briefly by about one month. Some babies start lifting their head within the first couple of weeks, while others take a little longer. Short tummy-time sessions each day help build neck strength.

Mention at next visit

If your baby has not attempted any head lifting during tummy time by around 2 months, mention it at your next well-child visit. Your pediatrician can check muscle tone and suggest supportive exercises.

Call your doctor

If your baby feels completely floppy - like a rag doll - when you pick them up, or if their head always falls to the same side and they seem unable to move it at all, call your pediatrician today.

Moves arms and legs

CDC

Your baby moves their arms and legs in jerky, random motions while lying on their back.

What it looks like

You will see your baby kick their legs and wave their arms in uncoordinated bursts. The movements may look startled or jerky - this is completely normal at this age.

Typical range

birthavg birth1.5 mo2 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Newborns move their limbs from birth. The movements are reflexive and jerky at first, becoming slightly more purposeful over the coming weeks.

Mention at next visit

If your baby rarely moves their arms or legs, or seems stiff and rigid when you try to gently bend their limbs, bring it up at your next pediatrician appointment.

Call your doctor

If your baby suddenly stops moving one arm or one leg, or if their body seems very stiff or very limp, contact your pediatrician right away.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Red flags to watch for

If you notice any of the following, contact your pediatrician. These signs do not necessarily mean something is wrong, but they are worth discussing with a professional.

Does not respond to loud sounds at all
What to do
Contact your pediatrician to discuss a hearing evaluation. Newborn hearing screening may need to be repeated or followed up.
Never seems to focus on your face even at close range
What to do
Mention this at your next well-child visit. Your pediatrician can check your baby's vision and refer to a specialist if needed.
Body feels very floppy or very stiff when picked up
What to do
Call your pediatrician. Unusual muscle tone - either too loose or too rigid - should be evaluated.
Does not suck or feed well
What to do
If your baby is not feeding well, losing weight, or seems too sleepy to eat, contact your pediatrician or a lactation consultant today.
Has a weak, high-pitched, or unusual cry
What to do
A very high-pitched or unusually weak cry can sometimes indicate a medical issue. Let your pediatrician know right away.