Understanding your newborn's senses is a fascinating journey into how they perceive the world. At birth, your baby's senses are already remarkably developed, although they will continue to refine and enhance as they grow.
Touch is one of the first senses to develop in the womb
Newborns are sensitive to touch and can feel pain, so gentle and nurturing touches are crucial for creating a secure bond with your baby. Hence, why skin-to-skin contact can be so soothing.
Your baby started to develop preferences for specific tastes and smells through exposure to amniotic fluid.
After birth, their sense of taste and smell continues to play a significant role in their feeding and comforting experiences. Babies are particularly sensitive to sweet tastes and familiar odors, such as your scent.
Hearing becomes more acute after birth
Newborns can recognize familiar voices, including yours and your partner's. Soft lullabies and gentle shushing can be comforting, while loud noises may startle them.
Things appear blurry at first
At birth, your baby's vision is blurry, and they can only see objects within 8 to 12 inches from their face. They are drawn to high-contrast patterns and bold shapes, which is why black-and-white images are so captivating. As their vision develops, they will start tracking moving objects and following faces, deepening their understanding of the world around them.
Understanding your baby's senses can deepen your connection and help you provide a nurturing environment that supports their sensory development. Responding to their needs with love and care fosters a strong emotional bond, allowing your little one to explore and make sense of the world as they grow.