Bright Futures

1 Month Visit

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

If you are worried about your living or food situation, talk with us. Community agencies and programs such as WIC and SNAP can also provide information and assistance.
Ask us for help if you have been hurt by your partner or another important person in your life. Hotlines and community agencies can also provide confidential help.
Tobacco-free spaces keep children healthy. Don’t smoke or use e-cigarettes. Keep your home and car smoke-free.
Don’t use alcohol or drugs.
Check your home for mold and radon. Avoid using pesticides.

Feed your baby only breast milk or iron-fortified formula until she is about 6 months old.
Avoid feeding your baby solid foods, juice, and water until she is about 6 months old.
Feed your baby when you see signs of hunger. Look for her to
- Put her hand to her mouth.
- Suck, root, and fuss.
Stop feeding when you see signs your baby is full. You can tell when she:
- Turns away.
- Closes her mouth.
- Relaxes her arms and hands.
Know that your baby is getting enough to eat if he has more than 5 wet diapers and at least 3 soft stools per day and is gaining weight appropriately.
Hold your baby so you can look at each other while you feed him.
Always hold the bottle. Never prop it.

Feed your baby on demand. Expect to breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
A lactation consultant can give you information and support on how to breastfeed your baby and make you more comfortable.
Begin giving your baby vitamin D drops (400 IU a day).
Continue your prenatal vitamin with iron.
Eat a healthy diet; avoid fish high in mercury.

Always prepare, heat, and store formula safely. If you need help, ask us.
Feed your baby 24 to 27 oz of formula a day. If your baby is still hungry, you can feed her more.

Take care of yourself so you have the energy to care for your baby. Remember to go for your post-birth checkup.
If you feel sad or very tired for more than a
few days, let us know or call someone you trust for help.
Find time for yourself and your partner.

Hold and cuddle your baby often.
Enjoy playtime with your baby. Put him on his tummy for a few minutes at a time when he is awake.
Never leave him alone on his tummy or use tummy time for sleep.
When your baby is crying, comfort him by talking to, patting, stroking, and rocking him. Consider offering him a pacifier.
Never hit or shake your baby.
Take your baby’s temperature with a rectal thermometer, not by ear or skin; a fever is a rectal temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or
higher. Call us anytime if you have questions or concerns.
Wash your hands often.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 | Smoking Quit Line: 800-784-8669 | Information About Car Safety Seats: www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat | Toll-free Auto Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236

Use a rear-facing–only car safety seat in the back seat of all vehicles.
Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger airbag.
Make sure your baby always stays in his car safety seat during travel. If he becomes fussy or needs to feed, stop the vehicle and take him out of his seat
Your baby’s safety depends on you. Always wear your lap and shoulder seat belt. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Never text or use a cell phone while driving.
Always put your baby to sleep on his back in his own crib, not your bed.
- Your baby should sleep in your room until she is at least 6 months old.
- Make sure your baby’s crib or sleep surface meets the most recent safety guidelines.
- Don’t put soft objects and loose bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys in the crib.
If you choose to use a mesh playpen, get one made after February 28, 2013.
Keep hanging cords or strings away from your baby. Don’t let your baby wear necklaces or bracelets.
Always keep a hand on your baby when changing diapers or clothing on a changing table, couch, or bed.
Learn infant CPR. Know emergency numbers. Prepare for disasters or other unexpected events by having an emergency plan.

We will talk about:

Consistent with Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition