Baby Smarts

The most important day in a person's life has arrived: their birth. Of course, many people love the birth of their child more than anything because they are bringing a newborn child into this world. But at first glance at the baby right out of a woman's body, one might think that they gave birth to something other than a human baby. But after they are all cleaned up they look as beautiful than ever. But this baby that the parents brought into this world is smarter than they think it is, and it definitely knows a lot more than we give them credit for. A newborn baby has several reflexes or bits of knowledge already stored into their bodies when they come into the world.

The first reflex that you can see in your baby is their ability to walk. Babies can walk when they are born? They sure can! However, they may not be able to stand up and walk on their own, but their bodies are programmed to make stepping movements if they are held up and put in the right position to walk. Their feet will go into walking mode and you'll be able to see them start to walk! Of course this reflex does go away for several months, but it comes back in full force when your baby starts to crawl and eventually walk on his or her own.

The second reflex that babies have is the rooting reflex. Here is something to try. Put anything near your baby's mouth and he or she will turn his or her head because they think that they'll be getting something to eat. This is a really interesting reflex. It is helpful in a lot of ways but one of those ways is that it actually makes feeding your baby a whole lot easier.

The Moro reflex is also another very unique baby reflex. This is when the baby thrusts his or her arms back and sometimes couples that with kicking out his or her legs. A baby does this when he or she is startled. This can be helpful if you know what to watch out for and a good sign in case you are wondering why your baby is crying or throwing a tantrum.

Making funny faces at your baby in the first couple of months can be a blast also! Babies can actually see about 6 to 12 inches in front of their face. This may not seem like a whole lot, but it can be fun if you get right up close to them and speak to them or make funny faces at them. They also try to imitate the face you're making if you are close enough to them that they can see you.

Babies are a whole lot smarter than we give them credit for. They may not be Einstein, but they sure know what's going on in the world around them. The next time that you are around a newborn child you will be amazed at everything that little junior can do. Try some of the baby reflexes and you'll be excited and pleased with what you brought into the world!