Baby Care Encyclopedia

Babies are born with the ability to perform certain instinctive or reflexive behaviors. Some of these reflexes disappear and never return; others remain for life; and a few fade and then return later when the time is right for new developmental milestones. The major infant reflexes are: Sucking, Swallowing And Rooting Babies need to suck, not just for food but for comfort. In the womb, babies swallow the amniotic fluid that surrounds them, and some even suck their thumbs. Newborns are also programmed to seek out food, at least within the tiny confines of their mother-baby universe, through the rooting reflex. When a newborn's cheek is stroked lightly, he or she turns to that side, lips pursed for sucking. As a baby learns to feed voluntarily, this reflex lessens. Grasping It's always surprising to feel the strong grip of a tiny infant's fingers. This powerful grasp tight enough to hold up a baby's own weight may be an evolutionary throwback to a time when the primate ancestors o...

Newborns can see at birth, and their senses of taste, smell, and hearing are likewise in working order. In fact, a baby's sense of smell is much more acute than an adult's, and some infant behavior is directed by smell. But of all the senses, touch is the most responsive at the very dawn of life. Following is a rundown of a newborn's sensory world. Sight Newborns can focus within a close range of eight inches or so the exact distance between the mother's and infant's faces during nursing. Babies like bright colors and patterns that are high in contrast, but most of all they love looking at faces especially their parents' faces. In a month or so, the baby will be able to follow moving objects with his eyes and recognize your face. In addition, the baby may sometimes seem to imitate your facial expressions. Most of these expressions, however, are random; the so-called social smile that indicates conscious give-and-take between infant and parent does not appear until around the third...

New parents often hesitate to take time out for themselves during these intense first weeks, but they should try to do so. For mothers, the weeks after birth involve more than just physical recovery. Mood swings, crying jags, and feelings of sadness are also common; the changing hormone levels following pregnancy are, at least in part, responsible for these changes. However, if you feel deep or persistent depression in the weeks after birth, alert your doctor. During the first weeks and months, most parents long for some uninterrupted sleep. Try to nap when the baby does. Let all nonessential housekeeping chores go undone for now, or ask friends, family, or neighbors to pitch in. If the demands of a newborn are getting you down, arrange for short breaks, even if it's only a walk around the block or a hot bath. And if you are having serious trouble coping, especially if your baby has any medical problems, consider using the services of a visiting nurse or housekeeper. With each day...

Parents often wonder just how much of the outside world their newborns are able to process and understand. The answer is that all of the baby's senses function from birth (and perhaps before), but the focus and sensitivity of the senses is different from that of older children and adults. Newborns come into the world with little experience other than that gained in the mother's womb. Learning about the outside world involves a slow evolution as the baby's abilities grow. When the baby is first born, it seems as if all he does is eat, sleep, and lie in the crib, occasionally looking around in a hazy way. However, the baby is beginning to take in information about the textures, smells, sights, sounds, and tastes of a whole world full of stimuli. Newborns have some special abilities and limitations that set them apart from older babies and children. Neurologically they are still in the process of maturing since many of the nerve connections are laid down in response to the learning a...

Before you leave the hospital or birthing center, the nursing staff should offer hands-on lessons in feeding, bathing, and changing your baby. They should also remind you of any trouble signs that warrant a call to the pediatrician. If you don't already have a pediatrician lined up, this is the time to find one who is well-qualified, conveniently located, and personally compatible. It is most helpful if your pediatrician's office has a "call hour" when you can ask questions. You'll also be given an appointment for a routine post-partum checkup from the obstetrician for yourself and from the pediatrician for the baby. Often, the baby's checkup is scheduled for two weeks after birth, but you many need it sooner, particularly if there were any problems early on. At home, you will soon discover the best ways to keep the baby comfortable and happy. Babies vary tremendously in their likes and dislikes, as well as in their overall moods and body rhythms for example, sleep cycles and elimi...