In the first few weeks of life, newborn babies have a very different experience of the world to adults. Their senses are not fully developed, and they cannot yet understand what they are experiencing. This can be both a good and a bad thing. On the one hand, it means that they are less likely to be overwhelmed by their surroundings and more likely to find things interesting. On the other hand, it means that they may not be able to make sense of what they are seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling.

At birth, caring for a newborn depends on understanding how their senses affect how they experience the world.

The sense of sight is probably the most developed at birth. Newborns can see clearly within 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), and their vision is slowly improving over the first few months. However, they cannot yet see colors or shapes in detail. They also have trouble following moving objects and often prefer looking at high contrast patterns such as black and white stripes.

The sense of hearing is also well developed at birth, but newborns respond best to high-pitched noises. They will startle at loud sounds and cry if they hear a sudden change in pitch (such as when someone drops something). Gradually, over the first few months, they will become more responsive to lower-pitched sounds and learn to discriminate between different voices.

The sense of taste is still developing at birth, but newborns already prefer sweet tastes over bitter ones. This is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps them identify breast milk which is rich in sugars. Newborns also tend to like sour tastes more than adults do because their taste buds are more sensitive to acidic flavors.

The sense of touch is probably the most important for newborns as it helps them feel safe and secure. They respond positively to gentle stroking and rocking but can be easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises. The skin is also very sensitive at this stage, so gentle handling is vital to avoid causing discomfort. Babies also have a strong grip reflex which helps them hold onto their mother's hair or clothing when being carried around.

The sense of smell is also well developed at birth, although newborns cannot yet identify specific smells. Instead, they seem to react mainly to whether a smell is pleasant or unpleasant. This may help them distinguish between different types of food, which could be important for survival in the wild.

What to expect in the first week of life.

Assuming that the baby is healthy, its first week of life can be very chaotic as baby's schedule is very unsettled. A baby will sleep a lot, eat often (probably every 2-3 hours), and have several bowel movements. This can leave new parents feeling stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed, especially if they also care for other children. It is important to remember to take care of oneself during this time by getting enough rest and eating healthy meals.

It is also important to be aware that common issues that may arise include jaundice, feeding difficulties, and sleep deprivation during the first week of a newborn's life.

• Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that occur when too much bilirubin is in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver gets rid of bilirubin in the bile, but when a baby's liver is not yet mature, it may not be able to do this effectively. Jaundice usually appears on the second or third day after birth and peaks on the fifth or sixth day. It should go away within two weeks.
• Feeding difficulties can arise for some reasons in newborn babies. They may have trouble latching onto the breast or bottle nipple or tire easily during feedings. Some babies have difficulty digesting certain types of milk (such as cow's milk), which can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Sleep patterns in newborns are also erratic and can vary significantly from one baby to another. Some sleep for long periods at night, while others frequently wake throughout the night and daytime hours.

As the baby begins to settle in, caring for a newborn must be managed as a new mother experiences physical changes herself after giving birth. Depending on the delivery method, for example, a woman may be experiencing numbness or cramps in her lower body. She may also have some bruising, swelling, or pain in her genital area. In addition, the emotional changes a woman may experience after giving birth can range from elation to sadness or even depression. This is why it is not uncommon for new mothers to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious.

There is nothing like the joy of caring for a new baby. The first time you hold your child in your arms, you feel an instant connection. You are responsible for this little life, and you want to do everything possible to make sure they are healthy and happy. The early days and weeks can be challenging as you adjust to sleep deprivation and feedings every few hours, but it is all worth it when you see your baby reach milestones or give you a gummy smile. Every moment with your new baby is precious, and you quickly learn to treasure the small things. It's a time to bond with your child and create memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing your baby grow and develop is one of the most amazing journeys you will ever take.

‍