A newborn's body rapidly adapts to its new environment outside of the womb, as it moves from a water environment to an air environment. Its body instinctively begins to breathe air, eat, regulate body temperature and eliminate waste. The reflexive movements of a newborn in the first weeks are intended to protect the baby and ensure its survival. As they grow, their actions become more intentional and functional.
Motor Development
Newborns are able swallow, suck, gag, cough, yawn, blink and eliminate waste. They react to any touch on their cheek or mouth, turning their heads and opening their mouths. The "Moro reflex" is the startle response. When a newborn experiences a sudden loud noise, unexpected touch or bump, or the sensation of dropping, it throws its arms open away from its body. The baby then quickly pulls the arms back over the chest for protection. Newborns automatically grasp items that touch their hands and step when their feet touch the floor. They also exhibit the "tonic neck reflex" by extending their arms and legs out to the same side their heads are turned toward and pulling in the arms and legs of the opposite side. A newborn's pupils dilate and constrict in response to light, although their eyes do not always work together.
Perceptual and Cognitive Development
Perceptual and cognitive skills help a newborn to learn about its environment and interact with caregivers. Its hearing skills are the most developed at birth. A newborn is particularly responsive to its mother's voice and can differentiate various sounds in the environment. Gentle sounds and movement are soothing to a baby and the skin around the mouth and hands is especially sensitive. A baby's sense of smell is strong, causing it to turn away from unpleasant odors.
Speech and Language
Several reflexive responses related to speech and language are present at birth. These include the rooting and sucking reflexes and the bite-release that occurs when the baby's gums are rubbed. Newborns also turn their heads towards the sound of a voice, react to loud noises and cry to communicate.
Interpersonal Development
Newborns sleep for 17 to 19 hours a day and gradually increase their alertness for longer periods. They enjoy close contact, being swaddled tightly and face-to-face positioning. Consistent interaction and responsiveness by adults help to develop a newborn's sense of security and attachment. However, babies can be easily overstimulated by too much noise and touching.
Crying
Crying is the way newborns communicate, and caregivers should be aware that babies can cry for up to five hours a day. To determine what a baby needs, check its physical needs--such as hunger, burping, or a diaper change--as well as for signs of illness. If the baby is still crying, actions such as gentle bouncing or rocking, singing, music or walking can be soothing. Caregivers need to have a plan for support if they become frustrated with a baby's crying.
References
- By the Ages: Behavior & Development of Children Pre-Birth through Eight; 2000; Allen and Marotz
- The Children's Hospital: The Reality of Shaken Baby Syndrome
