Newborn babies are often a mystery to their parents. Adding to the mystery is the fact that crying is the only way newborns can communicate. After a few weeks, parents get to know their babies and can often tell when their babies are hungry or tired. Many of a baby's behaviors at birth are based on his needs and instincts.
Appearance
Newborns aren't usually cute and cuddly. Their skin can be wrinkly and dry, and it may appear reddish. If their birth was vaginal, they can have pointy heads. A newborn also has a soft spot--or fontanel--on his skull, which will slowly close over time, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sleep
Newborns sleep a lot, sometimes 16 or more hours a day, according to the Kids Health website. Newborns typically sleep in three- or four-hour stretches and then awake to be fed. When they are born, infants do not know if it is night or day. By the time a baby is 2 months old, he will usually sleep six to eight hours at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents place babies on their backs for sleeping to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
Babies
Babies have several reflexes at birth that you will likely notice right away. He will have a grasp reflex, instinctively closing his hand around your finger or other objects placed in his. The Moro reflex can be seen when your baby is startled--by a loud noise, for example. He will extend his neck, as well as his arms and legs. A baby will root, looking for his mother's breast when held. When stood on his feet, he will making a stepping motion. These instinctive reflexes will disappear at varying times in the first six months of life, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sight
When your baby is born, he can focus only on objects from 8 to 14 inches in front of him. He can see objects in the distance, but not clearly, according to the Kids Health website. Babies enjoy looking at human faces, and bright lights will also catch their eyes. Don't be alarmed if your baby appears cross-eyed. At birth, eye muscles are weak, but they strengthen in the first months of life.
Taste
Babies are born with a strong sense of taste. In fact, newborns may have more taste buds than their parents and other adults, according to the Baby Center website. At birth, babies can taste sweetness and bitterness, but the ability to taste salt doesn't come until they are about 5 months old.
Dirty Diapers
Newborns go through plenty of dirty diapers. Expect six to eight wet diapers and three or four bowel movements each day from your newborn, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Breast-fed babies tend to have looser and more frequent bowel movements than formula-fed babies. And don't be alarmed if your baby isn't producing dirty diapers. After a few weeks, some babies may go three days between bowel movements.
