As if the fact that how a tiny cell grows into a baby wasn't a miracle enough, it is amazing how someone so small can be programmed to do so many things right from birth!
Suck
- Babies are born with this inherent skill of sucking
- After birth, babies start to coordinate their sucking with breathing
- Rooting reflex: If a baby's cheek is brushed against a nipple or teat, the baby will automatically turn towards it, ready to suck.
- Babies open their mouths when their upper lip is stroked.
Grasp
- A newborn baby'a grasp is so strong that if they grasp your finger, they can support all their body weight on that grip.
- Grasp reflex: Ability of the newborn to grasp things with their hands and feet.
- The tightness of the grasp fades with time and is strongest in the newborn.
Step
If you hold a baby upright (your hands under the shoulders) on a flat and firm surface, he or she will perform walking action. This is known as the stepping reflex.
Use all the senses
- Your baby can see you (the eye vision is limited to 18 in(20 cms) in the first few weeks).
- Babies love to be touched gently.
- Your baby will enjoy a soothing voice.
- Babies react to bright light and noise.
- Babies are born with a startle reflex i.e. if you let the baby's head flop back, he or she will think that they're falling and will stretch out arms and legs.
- Babies recognise your smell.
| Life after birth |
