Newborn's Pool of Talents

A healthy interaction with babies is important to understand their behavioral needs and demands. They are armed with cues on how to express their gratification or disgust over something. Since each baby is unique, parents should observe signals to avoid any untoward stress and confusion. Here are important facts to know about babies' inborn skills:

1. Sense of sight

Your baby can see clearly at the distance of 7-8 inches away from your face. Human face captivates his eyes so in case you make some facial movements and expressions, he will be pleased. Try to move your mouth and grimace. He can imitate it at an early age. When it comes to distinguishing colors, he can respond more on bright shades and black and white patterns than pale and pastel hues.

What to do:

Hang a mobile with pictures of faces and see how your baby responds.

Draw pictures with black and white patterns on your changing table.

Put an unbreakable mirror near your baby's view.

2. Sense of hearing

Babies are fascinated to high pitched sounds. They are all ears to any sounds such as a ticking clock, hair dryer, electric fan and soft lullabies. A female's voice can catch his attention most so it is necessary for a mother to talk to your baby in a calm and soothing manner. Incorporate this when doing routines with your baby.

What to do:

Buy a musical mobile because it is pleasing to his ears.

Hang wind chimes with colorful designs.

Read a story in a gentle manner.

Attach bells on his crib or his own booties.

3. Sense of Taste and Smell

Newborns like sweet foods such as breast milk. They cannot appreciate all the other tastes because of their inborn sweet tooth. They have the tendency to pull away on bitter and sour tastes. According to Beauchamp and Pearson, babies cry less when given a sweet solution after a painful procedure.  

At 5 days old, they can recognize the sweet smell of their mother's breasts. They can even distinguish a breast milk or a baby formula. Isn't it great?

What to do:

Have an exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Studies show the numerous benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and babies.

4. Sense of Touch

Your baby is very sensitive to touch. He longs to have a safe environment the way he had it in his mother's womb. Snugging and a gentle touch will comfort your baby while patting in a rapid motion will upset him.  .

What to do:

Gently hold, caress, and stroke the baby while feeding and changing.

Fill his environment with soft touches such as silky blankets and smooth pillow.