Parents, meet your newborn
A look at some of the skills and reflexes that your baby is born with.
Whether your baby has recently arrived or is just about due, you know he or she will depend on you. But you just might be amazed by what he or she can already do.
Long before the crawling, walking and talking begin, babies can react to and experience their new world outside the womb. Here's a look at some of your newborn's skills.
Reflexes
Babies are born with reflexes that drive many of their early activities and behaviors, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For example, they naturally shut their eyes in bright light. And they cry when they're hungry or upset.
Here are some other newborn reflexes you may see:
- Rooting and sucking. Touching your baby's cheek or mouth triggers rooting. This is a survival reflex in which the baby turns and seeks a nipple to feed. And when a nipple enters your baby's mouth, the sucking response kicks in.
- Moro, or startle reflex. When startled by a loud noise or abrupt movement, your baby may thrust out his or her arms and legs, extend the neck and then bring the arms back to the body and cry.
- Fencing posture. When your baby's head turns to one side it may trigger the tonic-neck reflex, or fencing posture. The arm on that side straightens while the other arm bends outward, like a fencer's stance.
- Feats of strength. A strong grasp reflex allows your baby to grip your finger tightly if you stroke his or her palm. Also, if you touch the sole of your baby's foot, the toes may curl as the foot flexes.
- Stepping. Your baby may appear to walk when his or her feet touch the floor (while you support the body and head). Most of these reflexes go away after a few months, the AAP says.
Newborn sensations
Right away, your baby will begin to sample new experiences through his or her eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin:
Smell and taste. Newborns have a natural nose and taste for the sweetness of breast milk. But strong or bitter odors may upset them.
Hearing. Most newborns hear well and soon recognize and turn toward familiar sounds, especially their mom's voice.
Vision. Early on, a baby's eyes focus best on objects about 8 to 12 inches away. Your baby can't see all the colors, follow fast-moving objects or focus clearly from across the room just now. But your face—your baby's favorite scene—is well within view when he or she is in your arms.
Touch. Newborns prefer the soft, warm womblike sensations of blankets and your loving arms. Holding your baby brings comfort and security. It also helps you bond, according to the AAP.
Looking ahead
In the weeks ahead, your baby will begin to respond to you even more and to move with greater coordination, notes the AAP. Your baby's vision will also continue to improve. You might even glimpse a first grin while your baby sleeps. Each day may bring a moment that's special and new.
Remember, not every baby develops at exactly the same rate. However, if anything concerns you, tell your child's doctor.
Reviewed 12/6/2023