Bright Futures Parent Handout: 1 Month Visit

Growth & Development

Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family

Taking care of yourself gives you the energy to care for your baby. Remember to go for your postpartum checkup.
Call for help if you feel sad or blue, or very tired for more than a few days.
Know that returning to work or school is hard for many parents.
Find safe, loving child care for your baby. You can ask us for help.
If you plan to go back to work or school, start thinking about how you can keep breastfeeding.

Have simple routines each day for bathing, feeding, sleeping, and playing.
Put your baby to sleep on his back.
- In a crib, in your room, not in your bed.
- In a crib that meets current safety standards, with no drop-side rail and slats no more than 2 ³/8 inches apart.
  
  Find more information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
- If your crib has a drop-side rail, keep it up and locked at all times. Contact the crib company to see if there is a device to keep the drop-side rail from falling down.
- Keep soft objects and loose bedding such as comforters, pillows, bumper pads, and toys out of the crib.
- Give your baby a pacifier if he wants it.
Hold and cuddle your baby often.
- Tummy time—put your baby on his tummy when awake and you are there to watch.
Crying is normal and may increase when your baby is 6–8 weeks old.
When your baby is crying, comfort him by talking, patting, stroking, and rocking.
Never shake your baby.
If you feel upset, put your baby in a safe place; call for help.

Use a rear-facing car safety seat in all vehicles.
Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
Always wear your seat belt and never drive after using alcohol or drugs.
Keep your car and home smoke-free.
Keep hanging cords or strings away from and necklaces and bracelets off of your baby.
Keep a hand on your baby when changing clothes or the diaper.

Plan with your partner, friends, and family to have time for yourself.
Take time with your partner too.
Let us know if you are having any problems and cannot make ends meet. There are resources in our community that can help you.
Join a new parents group or call us for help to connect to others if you feel alone and lonely.
Call for help if you are ever hit or hurt by someone and if you and your baby are not safe at home.
Prepare for an emergency/illness.
- Keep a first-aid kit in your home.
- Learn infant CPR.
- Have a list of emergency phone numbers.
- Know how to take your baby’s temperature rectally. Call us if it is 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.
Wash your hands often to help your baby stay healthy.

Feed your baby only breast milk or iron- fortified formula in the first 4–6 months.
Pat, rock, undress, or change the diaper to wake your baby to feed.
Feed your baby when you see signs of hunger.
- Putting hand to mouth
- Sucking, rooting, and fussing
End feeding when you see signs your baby is full.
- Turning away
- Closing the mouth
- Relaxed arms and hands
Breastfeed or bottle-feed 8–12 times per day.
Burp your baby during natural feeding breaks.
Having 5–8 wet diapers and 3–4 stools each day shows your baby is eating well.

If Breastfeeding

Continue to take your prenatal vitamins.
When breastfeeding is going well (usually at 4–6 weeks), you can offer your baby a bottle or pacifier.

If Formula Feeding

Always prepare, heat, and store formula safely. If you need help, ask us.
Feed your baby 2 oz every 2–3 hours. If your baby is still hungry, you can feed more.
Hold your baby so you can look at each other.
Do not prop the bottle.