The First Month of Your Baby

Feeding

During the first two or three days after they are born, most babies seem fairly sleepy and do not need frequent feeds. But after the first week they'll settle into a pattern of feeds every 2-3 hours and may sleep 3-4 hours between nighttime feedings. During this time feeding is the only thing that sooths the baby if she is irritant or crying. She will suck her fingers if not the nipple if her hand comes in contact with her mouth. 

Sleeping
Usually sleeps from 17-20 hours per day. Naps about 8 times in 24 hour period. There is usually no regular pattern of eating or sleeping yet. Mostly lies curled up, fists tightly clenched especially in the first weeks just like he/she was in the womb. 

Crying 
May develop fussy crying at 2-3 weeks old for a few hours in the evening. During this time feeding is the only thing that sooths the baby if she is irritant or crying.

Physical Changes of your Baby  

Focuses eyes 
During the first months of life, babies can focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away. At the end of the first month, most will be able to briefly focus their attention on objects as far away as three feet.

Listens
If you watch your baby closely you can recognize that she reacts to sound. You can determine if she reacts to sound if she turns her head toward the sound of a voice or reacts when there is sudden noise in the room. A few babies may also begin early squeals and laughter. If you have things to do, she'll still enjoy hearing. And by the end of the first month, most babies will recognize the sound of a familiar voice.

Smiles
 You can see that your baby smile while he is sleeping. But by the end of the first month, you will likely find yourself rewarded with smiles specifically directed at you.

Movements 
The baby has little control over her movements now. He/She is wobbly all over, cannot keep her head straight and it keeps rolling to one side when she lies on her back and arms and legs keeps moving here and there.

Weight and Height 
After losing some of their birth weight during the first few days of life, most babies will be back to birth weight at three weeks and then continue to grow steadily. By the middle of the first month, weight gain should be about 14-28gm per day. This increases and they will gain weight at a rate of approximately 19 gm  per day and grow about 2.5 - 4cm (1 - 1½ inches) during the first month.