Every baby develops at their own pace. These pages cover planning and play — for questions about growth or development, talk to your pediatrician.
The first month is mostly feeding, changing and sleeping in short stretches. Keep plans small: a few practical jobs now make the coming months easier.
What to plan this month
- Add your baby to your health insurancePlans have short deadlines after a birth — check yours.
- Apply for the birth certificate and Social Security number (US)Often started at the hospital; keep the paperwork together.
- Set up a simple feeding and diaper logHandy when you're taking turns.
- Make a list of who can help with meals and errands
Play ideas for this month
More play ideasPicnic tummy time
- 0–9 months
- 15 min
- Outdoors
- Low mess
Tummy time in the fresh air on a picnic blanket.
- Moving
- Senses
You’ll need
- Blanket
How to play
- Spread a blanket in the shade.
- Place your baby on their tummy for short stretches.
- Lie down facing them and chat.
Play safely: Stay with your baby, keep them shaded and out of direct sun.
Story time snuggle
- 0–36 months
- 10 min
- Indoors
- Low mess
Share a board book — chewing it counts too.
- Words & sounds
You’ll need
- Board books
How to play
- Snuggle up with a board book.
- Point to pictures and name them.
- Let your baby turn the pages, even if it’s out of order.
Narrated walk
- 0–36 months
- 30 min
- Outdoors
- Low mess
Talk through everything you see on a walk around the block.
- Words & sounds
- Senses
You’ll need
Nothing but you
How to play
- Head out with the stroller or carrier.
- Name what you see: trees, dogs, cars, clouds.
- Pause to let them look, touch a leaf or listen to a bird.
Printables for this month
Free · 1 page
Newborn feeding and diaper log
A simple 24-hour sheet to note feeds and diapers in the blurry early weeks.
Free · 1 page
Babysitter info sheet
Everything a sitter or grandparent needs, on one page by the fridge.