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.
