How a newborn behaves

Your newborn will make a tight little bundle  whether lying in a crib or in  your arms. She will keep her arms  bent up close to her  body  and her  fingers tightly clenched just like in the womb. However you should be able to gently straighten her fingers with your  hands. Her feet will naturally curve inwards. It may take several weeks for the body to unfold from this preferred fetal position.

You will have to wait a little bit longer for baby talk  such as cooing and babbling.   However your baby will still be very noisy. She will cry when something is not right. She will also grunt, sneeze, sigh, hiccup and sigh. Most of these sounds are reactions to disturbances around her. These as well as other subtle reactions are an indication of how well your baby’s senses  are working. Your  baby will quickly recognize her mother’s voice and possibly her  father’s too.  He may remain quiet when you play soft music .

The newborn will be able to distinguish   breastmilk from other liquids using her sense of smell and taste.

Your baby’s vision is best within an 8 to 12 inch range . This means your baby can  see your face perfectly well as you hold and feed her. However when you  are farther  away, her eyes  may wonder, giving him a crossed eye appearance.  You should not worry about this during the first  couple of months of her  life. Her vision  will improve as the eye muscle matures.  Both eyes will remain focus on  the same thing at the same time. This usually occurs around 2 to 3 months of age. If it doesnot happen, bring it to the attention  of the pediatrician.

Newborns may be able to distinguish between light and dark. However they may not be able to see the full range of colors.

Another important thing is your newborns sense of touch. After  months of being in the amniotic fluid, the baby is now being exposed to all sorts of sensation. Holding your baby will give her some kind of security and comfort.  It also tells the baby that she is loved.