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FIRST SIGN OF RECOGNITION
Those markers of development start at birth, when a typical baby - just emerging from the womb - turns his or her head to the sound of a parent’s voice - the first sign of recognition!

SMELL, TASTE, TOUCH, HEARING
Over the first few days of life, a baby hones in on those senses that are well developed - smell, taste, touch, and hearing are very sharp during this time. Some studies have shown that a 5-day-old infant can locate mom by the smell of her breast milk!

SIGHT
Sight is the sense that is not well developed at this time, but babies will (when awake) try to focus on light/dark contrasts. Venetian blinds, black and white geometrics, and other light/dark contrasts appeal to them. The optimum distance for your baby to capture visual information is about 15-18 inches - what a coincidence - that’s the distance from breast to face!

QUIET ALERT TIME
Since newborns thrive on sleeping, their “quiet alert” time is at a premium. Use this time to scoop your baby up, talk, sing, and snuggle. This is the time to bond with your baby before sleep returns. Some primitive reflexes are common now and are expected responses:

• Quivering chins
• Moro reflexes (reach out and grab)
• Grasping anything placed in the palm

TOO MUCH STIMULATION
Most babies reach a threshold of stimulation. Too much will result in irritability/fussiness that is only remedied with reversing the environmental trigger, or falling asleep. These witching periods usually occur in the evening and last a few hours. Baby’s remaining hours of the day and night should be fairly consistent. The following are behaviors common to healthy babies:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Elimination
• The ability to be consoled

Most of us wish we could eat, sleep and eliminate as effectively as our newborns!