milestOnes @ birth...

Physically and mentally
• Puffy, slightly distorted facial features
• Conical head (due to passage through birth canal in a normal delivery)
• Uneven or odd-looking hair
• Two soft areas on the crown of the head (will eventually harden as baby grows)
• Quivering limbs and tight-fisted hands
• Bowed legs, drawn against the tummy
• Splotchy skin
• Prominent belly with a vertical line running down the abdomen (this will soon fade)
• Developed senses but not to the range of an older child
• Ability to recognise mother’s voice and scent (amazing but true!)
• Inability to focus both eyes on an object
• Preference for black-and-white patterns
• Sensitivity to sounds, light and temperature

Feeding
Your baby may not be very hungry at this time, taking only small amounts of milk at every meal.

Sleep
Your baby should be sleeping for at least 16 to 18 hours a day.

Ideal toys for this age
Musical mobiles

Useful tips
Establish a close bond by touching, cuddling, talking and singing to your baby as much as possible.
Speak to your baby clearly but slowly to encourage his/ her budding listening skills.
Baby’s umbilical cord stump should be falling within the next week or two.
Be sure to keep the area clean every time you change baby’s diaper.