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Home › Articles › Guiding Baby's Development › Brain Builders

Brain Builders

Stimulating Activities for Your 1-month-old Baby

By Tammy Morey

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Ever notice your newborn baby seems to always roll up in a ball? That's because newborns have spent the last nine months curled up in the uterus, and they seem to automatically curl into the fetal position – with knees bent and arms drawn forward – whenever they are placed on their backs or sides. This is a perfectly natural reflex given that they have spent their lives in that position, unable to stretch. Their pectoral muscles are too short and tight while their back muscles have been stretched and are too long.

Your baby will, of course, naturally uncurl with time; however, there are some exercises that you can do to accelerate the process, helping your baby to strengthen his upper and lower back while stretching the chest and hips.

Your baby's torso, specifically the abdominal and lower back area – which are often referred to as the "core muscles" – is what controls his body. If you were to stand up and move your arms, then lift one leg at a time, you would notice that your core muscles are what allow you to move your extremities. By making sure that your baby's core muscles are strengthened and stretched, you can create the proper muscle structure, establishing the foundation upon which your child can begin to build good posture.

In the first month of your baby's life you'll observe some of the following milestones:

  • He's beginning to notice sounds and may turn his head toward them – more for the right ear than the left.
  • His legs are not so tight or drawn toward his chest.
  • His grasp is still a reflex, and his hands will still be balled into little fists, but he may grab objects as they touch or brush his hand.
  • His communication skills will improve through cries, grunts and squeaks.
  • He responds to smells with facial reactions.
  • His bottom will still remain higher than his head when he is lying on his tummy.
  • He may begin to lift his head slightly for brief periods of time.
  • His eyes will start to focus on objects and faces.
  • His sense of security will deepen through the interactions with his primary caregivers.


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