While your baby will be able to fix eyes on a face or a light, she may look cross-eyed at this stage as her eyes are learning to coordinate. Her movements will appear jerky and erratic and she may move her hand to her mouth in an effort to suck. When picking up a young baby, you need to support her head to keep it from sagging. The baby’s head will turn from side to side when the baby is lying on her stomach while awake. You may see the beginning signs of lifting in this position. However, babies should always be observed closely when on their tummies and placed on their backs for sleep.
Although a newborn sleeps an average of 16 to 18 hours each day, a baby can be busy and engaged during the waking hours. Much of her activity and movements are involuntary. As the nervous system matures, these reflexes give way to purposeful behaviors that can include:
Rooting
This occurs when the corner of the baby’s mouth is stroked or touched. A baby’s head will turn and her mouth will open to follow — or root — in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle nipple. Sucking
When the roof of a baby’s mouth is touched with the breast or bottle nipple, the sucking reflex is activated. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex and may suck on their fingers or hands.
Moro Reflex, or Startle Reflex
A baby can show surprise from a loud sound or movement by throwing back her head, outstretching her legs; crying; then pulling arms and legs back in. Sometimes a baby’s own cries can startle her, which in turn activates this reflex. This reflex can remain until the baby is five to six months old.
Tonic Neck or Fencing Position
When a baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends at the elbow. This reflex remains until the baby is about six to seven months old.
Grasping
Stroking the palm of the baby’s hand causes baby to close her fingers in a grasping position. This lasts only a couple of months.
Babinski Reflex
When the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe curls upward and the other toes fan out. It is considered a normal reflex until about age two.
Step Reflex
This is also called the walking or dancing reflex because baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with her feet touching a solid surface.