In the first few weeks, it may seem that your
newborn isn't doing much of anything except sleeping and eating.
But don't be misled; a lot is going on!
1. Bonding for Beginners
For one thing, your baby is learning to rely on you for comfort
when it's needed. Creating this feeling of security and trust now
is the most wonderful gift parents can bestow on their new
baby.
2. Sleep, Bond, Sleep, Bond
All new babies do a lot of sleeping, as much as 12 to 16 hours a
day, and they usually sleep in two to five hour stretches. Even
when new babies are awake their eyes may be closed, and they can
only be fully alert for six to ten minutes at a time. Take
advantage of these interludes of alertness to strengthen the bond
between you and your baby by cuddling, or singing or holding a
one-sided conversation.
3. On the Look Out
What do newborns see? Not too much because they're near-sighted and
see best about eight to ten inches in front of them- just about the
distance of a mother's face as she cradles her baby in her arms.
Peripheral vision isn't yet developed, and a baby's field of view
is about one-third that of an adult. Even so, babies do like to
look at patterns and bright colours. Bright red seems to intrigue
infants most, and shiny red is best of all. Pastels, on the other
hand, appear muddy to a baby-a good reason for making the nursery
one of the most colourful rooms in your house.
In the crib, your newborn at first will face only to one side or
the other. So hang a colourful mobile on the side of the crib where
it's in the baby's line of vision.
While a professional may know a lot about babies in general, as you
watch, hold, feed, burp and love your baby day after day, you'll
become the best expert on your baby in particular. Only by close
observation and a little experimentation can you learn just how
much sleep, stimulation and activity your own newborn needs and
prefers.
4. Gearing Up for More
Newborns are also sensitive to inner stimulation. You may see your
baby whimper, grimace and appear to be smiling. What's happening is
that your baby's internal systems are busily at work.
Of course, whenever you're in doubt about the proper care for your
baby, be sure to consult your doctor.