WHAT WILL MY NEWBORN BABY LOOK LIKE?
In the first days, a baby has distinct physical features that can look alarming to a new parent. Don’t panic. Some of what may seem to you to be peculiarities or even defects are really standard features that will change as your baby matures.
WHAT CAN MY NEWBORN BABY DO?
She may be helpless without food and warmth from you, but she is equipped with some skills and reflexes.
• She can see, especially in the 20-25 cm (8-10 in.) Her eye muscles lack coordination, so she may squint, but this does not mean she has a long-term problem. Her eyes don’t adapt to distance vision like those of an older baby.
• She can also hear well and has a sense of smell.
• She has a sucking reflex: when your finger touches the roof of her mouth, she will respond with a strong sucking action
Rooting Reflex
If you stroke her cheek, she will turn towards your finger and open her mouth. This reflex helps her feed.
Startle (Moro) Reflex
If you let your baby’s head drop back, she will throw out her arms and legs as if she’s falling.
Stepping Reflex
If you hold her upright, with her feet touching a firm surface, she will mimic a stepping action, even though she can’t walk yet.
Grasp Reflex
Stroking her palm with one of your fingers will make her grip your finger tight.