| It is an exciting time for new parents when their | | | | the arms, they can lift their head up, despite a floppy |
| newborn arrives into this world. They may seem | | | | neck. |
| vulnerable, and they are, but there are a couple of | | | | 13. Get a big kick out of faces, their own or other |
| amazing things that newborns can do, much to the | | | | people's, and may be able to mimic expressions a few |
| delightful amusement of many people. | | | | days after birth. |
| Healthy newborns can typically do the following at birth | | | | 14. Favor the contrast of black-and-white patterns, |
| or within the first few weeks of their life: | | | | especially the edges and in the shapes of bulls-eyes, |
| 1. See things 8-12 inches away (the distance from | | | | diagonal stripes, faces or checkerboards. |
| breast or milk bottle to mom's or dad's face). | | | | Having listed the amazing things newborns can do, it is |
| 2. Can hear and may move their heads and eyes | | | | usually too much to expect of babies one month or |
| towards something of interest, or move their heads if | | | | younger to do everything. These are the things they |
| their breathing is blocked (but sometimes not enough | | | | cannot do, and when to expect them: |
| to avert suffocation). | | | | 1. Smile intentionally (this takes about six weeks, |
| 3. Can identify their parents' voices. | | | | although parents often swear it's sooner). |
| 4. Can taste and smell and have shown preferences | | | | 2. See very far away (you'll observe as baby's eyes |
| for their own mother's milk and dislikes for strong, | | | | begin to focus further away). |
| nasty odors. | | | | 3. Lift head up (perhaps a bit by end of month, but little |
| 5. Can draw back when pinched or pricked. | | | | neck control yet). |
| 6. Can yawn and sneeze. | | | | 4. Sit unaided when put down in sitting position (at |
| 7. Have a "startle reflex," in which the arms and legs | | | | about 5-6 months age). |
| may shoot out or their body may stiffen when startled | | | | 5. Eat any solids, and will choke if given them (feeding |
| by a loud noise or other stimulation. | | | | solids sometimes starts at about 4 or 5 months). |
| 8. Have a "rooting reflex," in which touching the baby's | | | | 6. Drool (drooling may start at about 3 months). |
| lips gets him or her to open its mouth for feeding, | | | | 7. Have teeth (rarely a newborn is born with a tooth, |
| perhaps smacking lips, sucking and breathing eagerly. | | | | but most infants get first teeth at 4-12 months). |
| 9. Have a protective reflex in which their tongues | | | | 8. Grip, pick up or grab objects (by 6 months, however, |
| thrust out any item in their mouths (such as pacifiers). | | | | you may be wishing for a baby straitjacket at the |
| This reflex is intended to guard them against choking. | | | | grocery store). |
| 10. Have a "stepping reflex" if held upright and a | | | | 9. Beg, whine and cry for heavily advertised toys. |
| "crawling reflex," in which they seem to sort-of crawl | | | | 10. Watch TV. |
| when placed on their stomach. | | | | Now that you know what to expect (or not) of your |
| 11. Have a "grasping reflex," in which they squeeze their | | | | baby, it's time to enjoy these little moments with your |
| little hands around a finger or other object. | | | | newborn. |
| 12. Have a "righting reflex," in which when pulled up by | | | | |