Within the first month, parents become increasingly attuned to their baby as they learn to interpret the meanings of their baby’s cues and how their caregiving responses to the baby’s behaviors may influence his behaviors. Through their growing understanding of their newborn, parents learn strategies to support the baby’s emerging personality and self- regulation. The primary focus of parents’ caregiving relates to feedings, sleep and wake patterns, elimination, and assimilation into the family.

The frequency of visits during the first 2 months of life will depend on the baby’s health status and the family’s needs. Babies who were premature or sick at birth, those entering foster care or adoptive families, those with special health or developmental needs, and first-time or anxious parents likely will need more frequent visits. In addition to offering counseling and reassurance to the parents, the health care professional may need to arrange referrals for comprehensive evaluation and management of the infant’s problems and for community-based family support services. As coordinator of the infant’s medical home, the health care professional will ascertain and assist the family in ensuring that appropriate linkages are in place for any needed subspecialty medical or surgical care and early intervention services.

The 1 Month Visit encompasses routine health surveillance; response to parental concerns; and encouragement, support, and practical guidance about the infant’s growth and nutrition, development, and transition to a consistent sleep and wake pattern. For the infant born prematurely or with a health condition that makes feeding a challenge, additional attention will need to be directed toward feeding skills, the adequacy of nutrient and caloric intake, and infant growth. The results of newborn metabolic/genetic and hearing screening tests should be reviewed and repeat testing, as required, should be arranged or completed. Risk factors requiring future testing should be documented. If the mother will be returning to work or school in the near future, guidance regarding the selection of safe child care may be provided. Counseling to reduce the risk of injury in the home,[13] and anticipatory guidance to address nighttime awakening and crying problems,[14] both of which have been demonstrated to be efficacious, are additional appropriate topics for the 1 Month Visit.

Families experiencing adjustment difficulties, and mothers manifesting postpartum psychological symptoms, will require close involvement and interaction with the health care professional and may need referral to resources to support their material or emotional needs.