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7 facts about your newborn

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  1. She will respond to your voice by turning towards you, becoming quiet when you speak soothingly and frightened by harsh or loud voices.
  2. She can see clearly at about 20-25cm and will gaze at you. Her eyes may be puffy from the pressure of birth. Black and Indian babies have brown eyes; white babies’ eyes are a deep blue at birth.
  3. She can turn her head to look at you. The soft fontanelle is where the skull bones are not completely closed. She may have thick hair that falls out over the next three months, or very sparse hair. 
  4. Your baby has a strong sucking reflex and she drinks milk at very regular intervals. She will make burbling sounds and even try to imitate the gestures of your speech.
  5. Her skin may be red, and covered in protective vernix. Some newborns have downy body hair called lanugo
  6. Her legs are tightly curled up and his feet are curled in. If held upright with her feet touching a firm surface, she will make a stepping motion.
  7. Her hands will be curled most of the time. When startled, she’ll spread her hands, fingers and legs. She is born with the grasp reflex and will close her fingers tightly over anything you put in her hand.

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