The first few weeks of having your newborn baby at home with you
will amaze you. As you watch it may seem that your newborn isn't
doing much of anything except sleeping and eating. But don't be
misled; there is much more going on than what you think!
What Newborns See, Hear & Feel
Young babies seem to grow even as you watch them. Not only does
their birth-weight double in about five months, their ability to
interact with their surroundings develops equally fast. Indeed,
growing babies seem to be reaching out to their parents and the
rest of the world with all their senses.
1. A Sight to See
By four months, babies can focus their eyes well on objects all
over the room, although most babies prefer to watch things that are
about a yard away. Faces with their ever-changing expressions are
still the most interesting sight for babies, but they now begin to
follow all objects intently with their eyes. And since babies have
an inborn preference for bright colours, you may want to add some
vivid rainbow hues to the pastels most of us associate with a
baby's room.
2. Now Hear This!
Listening is also becoming more important now for your baby, who
delights in the sound of your voice as you talk, sing or hum. (By
four months a baby knows if its parent or someone else is talking).
You'll notice that your baby may stop sucking to listen to a new
sound, and may turn to look at you on hearing your approaching
footsteps. A four- month-old will enjoy the sound of wind chimes or
even the ticking of a clock and will probably delight in a music
box fastened on the side of the crib.
3. Reach Out and Touch
Everyday now your baby will be concentrating on connecting sights
and sounds with the sense of touch. At first, babies aren't really
aware that their hands are part of themselves. Infants will watch
their hands pass before their eyes and laugh as one hand grasps the
other. Gradually, babies begin to bat at crib toys and if their
hands happen to touch one, may stop in surprise. By the fourth
month, the reflex that causes clenched fists in infants disappears,
and they are able to open, close and intertwine their fingers.
Then, at five months, babies are able to reach for and grasp an
object, transfer it from one hand to the other and finally bring it
to the mouth for further exploration.
It's exciting for babies to discover that they can have an effect
on things. By taking an interest in things outside themselves they
make an important step forward.
