Newborns

After nine months in the womb, your baby will be equipped to say hello to the world with these universal reflexes:

• Grasp: His little hand will grip your finger when you stroke his palm.
• Startle: When he’s startled by a loud noise or a quick movement, your baby will thrust out his arms and legs, then draw them back and cry.
• Rooting: When you rub the corner of your baby’s mouth, he’ll immediately turn toward your finger. This rooting instinct is what helps him to latch onto your nipple for feeding.
• Sucking: Your baby is ready and willing to suck for feeding; sucking also comforts him.
• Tonic neck: Lie your newborn on his side, and watch how he extends his arm and leg on the side he’s lying on, and flexes the arm and leg on the opposite side.
• Walking: Although he’s far from ready for the real thing, if you support your baby upright in a standing position, you’ll see him naturally try to step out.