Women's Health

Maternity

After Delivery - Postnatal Care

What Your Baby Is Doing

From birth, your baby can see and hear. Babies focus best on things 8 to 10 inches away from their eyes, and on items with a sharp contrast (i.e. a black and white picture or toy). Babies are also attracted to bright lights, bright colors and faces. Some babies even try to follow these things with their eyes. Your baby will probably be most interested in your face, so talk to your baby, smile, laugh, and hold him/her close.

Babies can also hear, and tend to recognize and respond to their mother's voice. They will also stop moving to listen to a high soft voice or to music. Loud noises usually startle babies, causing them to jump. All babies receive a hearing test while in the hospital. You and your baby's doctor will be notified of the results.

Although babies do not possess a great deal of motor control, they do like to curl up and can wiggle around a lot. Many newborns can even lift their heads when lying on their stomachs. You should never leave the baby alone on a couch or bed.