In the first weeks of life, your baby may seem to only eat, sleep, cry, and produce dirty diapers for you to change daily. However, in reality, all of your baby’s senses are already active, receiving sounds, tastes, and images of the new world.
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(Photo: babyminestore) |
It is challenging to know exactly what a newborn feels, but if you pay attention to their reactions to light, sound, and touch, you will see that their senses are working remarkably well.
Vision
Your baby can see best at a distance of 20 to 35.5 cm, focusing on a point when looking up from their parent’s arms. They can see further away, but it is difficult for them to focus on objects at a distance. However, sunlight from a distant window can capture your baby’s gaze.
Following human faces, light and movement are the things that a newborn loves to look at the most. Even a rough sketch of eyes, a nose, and a mouth can attract a baby’s attention if positioned close enough. While your baby’s vision is active, it still needs adjustment, especially when focusing on distant objects. Their eyes may appear a bit crossed; this is normal, as their eye muscles will strengthen and develop over the next few months.
Newborns are better suited to see contrasting colors rather than dull shades. Black and white images or toys will hold their interest longer than objects with similar colors. It’s beneficial to provide your baby with many interesting things to look at, but moderation is key. One object at a time is sufficient, and don’t forget to move your baby around a bit during the day to change the scenery.
Hearing
Your newborn has been able to hear sounds since they were in the womb. The sound of the mother’s heartbeat, the gurgling of her stomach, and external noises like her voice or the voices of other family members have all become part of the baby’s world. Once born, the sounds of the outside world become louder and clearer. Your baby may startle at a dog barking or be soothed by the steady hum of a washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
Pay attention to your baby’s reactions to your voice. Human voices, particularly those of parents, are their favorite music. Your baby knows that these sounds represent care: food, warmth, and nurturing. If they cry in their crib, notice how your voice from a distance can calm them down instantly. Observe how attentively they listen when you speak softly. Although they may not yet connect looking and listening, it doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention to your voice even if they are gazing into space.
Taste and Smell
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Touch is extremely important for newborns. Through skin-to-skin contact (Photo: iparenting) |
It is widely acknowledged that newborns can smell, as they have already recognized their food, and these two senses are closely linked in humans. Studies show that newborns prefer sweet tastes and will choose to suck on a sweetened bottle while turning away or crying when offered something bitter or sour. During the first six months, your baby will need nutrients from breast milk or formula before transitioning to solid foods. Since babies prefer sweet flavors, it will be easier to start with sweet vegetables like carrots or potatoes. As your baby grows, introduce them to a variety of flavors to help develop a diverse palate.
A typical day also presents your baby with a world of smells: your clothing, dinner in the oven, flowers in the garden. And at least for now, you don’t have to worry about your baby’s taste preferences. The smell of your milk will fully satisfy your baby.
Touch
Like most humans, touch is incredibly important for newborns. Through skin-to-skin contact, babies learn a great deal about their surroundings. Initially, they will seek comforting touches. Emerging from the warm liquid cocoon, they will face the cold for the first time, feel the hardness of bedding, and experience the friction of clothing. Babies will crave the soft touch provided by parents, such as silk blankets, gentle hugs, and tender care. With every touch, they will learn about life, so give them plenty of affectionate kisses, and they will find that the world is a pleasant place to be born into.
Minh Thi
