Senses 0 - 1 m

Getting Used to the World Outside the Womb

The first month of your newborn's life is dedicated solely to adapting to the drastic transition from the womb to our uncertain world. You can help him through this transition with stimuli that remind him of the womb and a comforting touch.

Sight

Your baby sees the world as if he is looking through poorly adjusted eyeglasses – everything is blurry and poorly defined. When you offer a high contrast, well-defined image, made up of strong colors within 8 to 12 inches of his face, he can see it this quite well.

Sound

Your newborn’s hearing is specifically attuned to the human voice, especially the female voice. In fact, within a week from birth, he clearly recognizes his mother's voice.

Touch

The pleasure you get from holding and caressing your baby is more than a natural communication of love and affection. Your baby's entire body is sensitive to touch. By holding him often, and hugging and stroking him gently, you are enhancing his tactile development.

Taste and Smell

Your baby's mouth is the area most developed and sensitive to stimulation. This is why he nurses or sucks from a bottle so efficiently. We see that a baby's taste leans toward the sweet (like mother's milk) and he shows a distinct preference for his mother's smell.