From the moment they’re born, babies can see, hear, smell, taste and touch — helping them connect with and respond to their new world.
Hearing
A baby’s hearing is well developed, even in the uterus, as is shown by the startle or Moro reflex in response to loud noises (see above). Babies are able to make out both of their parents’ voices right after birth. However, babies pay more attention to high-pitched voices, as they hear best in the higher ranges. If you have questions about your newborn’s ability to hear, please contact your baby’s healthcare provider.
Sight
Your baby may be fascinated by dramatic contrasts, such as black and white shapes, but will be most responsive to your face. A baby’s ability to focus at birth is about the same distance as from a baby at the breast to a mother’s face (8 to 12 inches). An application of eye ointment (as required by law) is given after birth to prevent possible eye infections. This may blur your baby’s sight for a brief period of time.
Taste and Smell
There is evidence that a newborn has the ability to respond to sweet, salty, sour and bitter tastes, as well as to a variety of smells. Newborn babies have been observed to tell apart their mother’s clothing from others solely by sense of smell.
Touch
Touch is your baby’s first sensation. Most of your early contacts will involve touch as you cuddle, rock and caress your new baby. Feeding, whether by breast or bottle, is an ideal time for you to give your baby this very important, close physical contact.
Skin
- Birthmarks
There are many types of birthmarks that may be found on various parts of your baby’s body. If your baby has any unusual marks, discuss them with your baby’s healthcare provider before going home. Many birthmarks will fade over time. - Blue-slate spot or slate-gray nevi
These spots are greenish-blue pigmentation seen on the lower back area, primarily in dark-skinned babies. They aren't painful or cause for concern and usually fade over time. - Mottled skin or blue hands and feet
A newborn’s skin can remain slightly see-through for several weeks and have purplish blotches, especially fair-skinned babies. It is also common for newborns to have bluish hands and feet since their circulatory system isn't fully developed yet. - Peeling skin
During the first few weeks, your baby may have peeling or cracking of the skin, especially on the wrists, hands, ankles and feet. Overdue babies seem to peel more than babies born closer to their due date. This is normal and no treatment is necessary. - Nevus simplex ("stork bites")
Occasionally, blood vessels close to the skin are visible on the back of the baby’s neck, eyelids, nose or forehead. These are called “stork bites.” They usually fade or disappear in several months.
