Comfortably curled
Because he was curled up inside your uterus until recently, your newborn baby will probably look scrunched up for a while, with his arms and legs not fully extended. He may even appear bowlegged.
Don't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being wrapped snugly in a light blanket. Find out how to swaddle your baby safely.
Your baby is born with a number of reflexes. The Moro — or startle — reflex causes him to automatically arch his back, extend his arms and legs, and sometimes cry out when he senses a loud noise or a sudden movement. Newborns can have this reaction even during sleep, but it goes away after a few months.
Other newborn reflexes include the Babinski reflex (your baby's big toe bends back and the other toes fan out when the sole of his foot is firmly stroked), the step reflex (he appears to take steps or dance when his feet touch a solid surface), and the tongue-thrust reflex (he pushes his tongue out when something is placed on it).
Don't worry: Your baby will stretch out, little by little, and by the time he reaches 6 months, he'll be fully unfurled! In the meantime, as he adjusts to life outside the warm, safe confines of your womb, he may enjoy being wrapped snugly in a light blanket. Find out how to swaddle your baby safely.
Your baby is born with a number of reflexes. The Moro — or startle — reflex causes him to automatically arch his back, extend his arms and legs, and sometimes cry out when he senses a loud noise or a sudden movement. Newborns can have this reaction even during sleep, but it goes away after a few months.
Other newborn reflexes include the Babinski reflex (your baby's big toe bends back and the other toes fan out when the sole of his foot is firmly stroked), the step reflex (he appears to take steps or dance when his feet touch a solid surface), and the tongue-thrust reflex (he pushes his tongue out when something is placed on it).
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Ruled by hunger and sleep
Food is the most important thing in your newborn's life, with sleep running a close second. Most newborns will eat every two to three hours around the clock.
Sleeping schedules are equally intermittent and will vary quite a bit from one infant to another. Your baby will likely sleep for a total of 16 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period — usually broken up into eight or so "naps." To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), make sure your baby sleeps on his back.
By the end of the first month, your baby may develop something of an eating and sleeping pattern, but don't force it. At this age, your baby should be fed whenever he shows signs of hunger, preferably before he's crying.
Tasting and smelling
Your baby already has a developed sense of taste. In fact, newborns seem to have more taste buds than adults do. Sensitivity to sweet and bitter tastes is present at birth, but reactions to salty foods don't come until about 5 months.
Your baby uses his sense of smell right from the start and can localize odors: Notice how he turns his head away if he smells something unpleasant (like his dirty diaper!).
Studies show that 5-day-old newborns will turn toward a pad soaked with breast milk, indicating that they can smell it, and a few days later they show a preference for the smell of their mom's milk. Using his sense of smell, your baby may wiggle toward your breast.
Your baby uses his sense of smell right from the start and can localize odors: Notice how he turns his head away if he smells something unpleasant (like his dirty diaper!).
Studies show that 5-day-old newborns will turn toward a pad soaked with breast milk, indicating that they can smell it, and a few days later they show a preference for the smell of their mom's milk. Using his sense of smell, your baby may wiggle toward your breast.
Instinctive motions
The rooting reflex — another reflex your baby was born with — helps him find your breast and learn how to eat. When you touch your newborn's cheek, lips, or mouth with your finger or nipple, your baby will turn his head to face you and open his mouth.
Notice how your baby automatically starts to make sucking motions with his mouth. He's showing you he knows how to eat! Now try putting your finger against the roof of your baby's mouth — see how he begins to suck?
Notice how your baby automatically starts to make sucking motions with his mouth. He's showing you he knows how to eat! Now try putting your finger against the roof of your baby's mouth — see how he begins to suck?
Remember, your baby's an individual
All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.
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