We often wonder what is our newborns really thinking and would like to know how to take care of them better. Well, here are some facts that new fathers and mothers may not know about.
Emotional status: The world is a terrifying place and it is really big for them. Coming into this world, they are a stranger to everything, similar to how we would feel if we suddenly move to a remote location such as Greenland or Antarctica. Four major facts that new parents should know and remember, according to www.healthywa.wa.gov.au*:
- They do not know they are a person.
- They do not know who comes when they cry.
- They feel happy when they are fed, but do not really know what “happy” is.
- They cry when they are tired, hungry, or uncomfortable.
As we have covered in last week’s posting, crying is the only way to communicate with parents, so expect them to do a lot of this in this stage of time. An important fact to remember also that newborns cry not to get attention, but to seek comfort as they really do not know what is going on around them. Anything can set them off, so remember to be ready to hug, cuddle, and soothe them to make them feel better.
Physical development: In the newborn’s early stages, they do not know how to control their body. Every part of their arms and legs moves due to involuntary reflex. They are not aware that they have arms, legs, or other parts of their body. They will only come to be aware of their extremities after around eight weeks or older. Sucking, grasping, or even startling when they hear a loud noise are all just reflexes. After eight weeks, they will come to terms that they have arms, legs, but will only have a little control over them.
Hearing and Seeing: Babies do not see the full color spectrum until after two to four months, however this should not deter new parents from using different colors, patterns, or objects when they interact with them. Even though they do not understand what they are seeing, newborns will still be curious about colors, lights, and other similar objects. They also do not understand parts of parents’ face such as eyes, nose, mouth until later on, but their hearing has already developed since they were in their mother’s womb. Therefore, continue to talk softly to them will often make them feel comfortable and at ease.
Communication: As covered in last week’s posting, babies communicate through their face, subtle movements, and of course crying. When parents have mastered the different cries their newborns make, they will be able to differentiate cries for hunger, diaper change, cold, hot, and loneliness. As always, never neglect newborn’s cries as it may affect their developmental abilities in the future.
Interaction: Parents’ interaction with their newborns are important as it may help them to feel more comfortable and also may relax them from fear and anxiety. The following are some activities parents can do with their newborns.
- Cuddle and hug them.
- Talk to them, or sing to them.
- Look at the newborn in close proximity when spoken or sing to.
- Play music.
- Gently rock them.
- Copy their gestures.
- Laugh with them when they smile.
Text:
*www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Child-development-0-3-months
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