How your 1-month-old might play now

• Your baby can see objects 8-10 inches away but can't make out details or the full colour spectrum
• He follows objects slowly with his eyes over very short distances
• She mimics simple facial expressions and, when someone speaks to her, looks intently
• He's startled by loud or unexpected noises
• Her fists are closed

Games:

• Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Drinking Straws
• Paper Plates

Instructions:

• Use nursery rhymes to introduce your baby to rhythm and cadence. Use old favorites like "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," or make up your own.
• Make a puppet out of a paper plate and move it back and forth about 10 inches from your baby's face. After a while he'll learn to follow it with his eyes and greet it with a smile. 
• Use a straw to blow warm breath on your baby's arms and tummy. As your baby focuses attention on different parts of his body, he learns more about himself.
• Attach a piece of elastic to a small stuffed animal and attach the elastic to the ceiling. Position your baby under it and make the animal jump and bounce.
• Stroke different parts of your baby's body gently with a paintbrush, a feather or a cotton ball. He will respond with a contented expression or even a smile.

Tips & Warnings:

• Respect your baby's cues. If a particular activity seems to stress him out or frustrate him, stop and give it a try another day.
• Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn's development.

Considerations

Early development of babies depends upon many factors such as whether the baby was delivered prematurely or at full-term at 40 weeks gestation. Also, activity levels vary among infants, which may affect how quickly the infant learns new physical skills.

Time Frame

Some babies may achieved 1-month skills before the 1-month mark and some may achieve 1-month skills several weeks after the 1-month mark. Typically, the child's pediatrician will ask questions about developmental milestones at regular check-ups to monitor the child's development.

Physical Development

At the age of 1 month, most babies can lift up their heads when they are laying on their tummy. Also, many can hold their head up briefly when being held in an upright position and turn their heads from one side to the other when lying on their backs. Most babies at this age also briefly follow objects with their eyes. According to American Pregnancy, infants should gain about 5 to 7 ounces each week during this time.

Social Development

Most 1-month-old babies show interest in and stare at faces, especially familiar caregiver faces. In addition, 1-month-old babies may respond to familiar voices by quieting. Some babies may even display genuine smiles and possibly even laugh when amused. Also, babies at this age cry to show displeasure.

Language Development

At the age of 1 month, about 50 percent of all babies make sounds. These sounds will involve the vowel sounds ooh and aah.