Super Senses

Popular opinion used to hold that babies were born a clean slate, but new research shows that infants can see, hear, feel, smell and taste. Your newborn is getting used to the world and using their five senses to do it. Jessica Hartshorn, Senior Lifestyle Editor for American Baby Magazine tells us about your infants super senses and how they are used once they're born.

Babies can't see all that well at birth. Although a lot is blurry to them, they can see 8 to 12 inches in front of them very clearly.
They can also observe contrasting color patterns, but they aren't able to make out lighter colors until they are 4-6 months old
Depth perception kicks in at 3 months.

The inner ear is fully formed around week 20 of pregnancy when babies start hearing all of mom's sounds. When your baby is born, she can distinguish the sound of your voice from other voices.

Many experts believe touch is the most advanced of the senses at birth. They feel all over their bodies-when you hold them, they find both the smell and feel of your skin very relaxing. Research shows that especially in preemies, skin to skin contact in the hours and days after birth enhances the immune system function, promotes weight gain and lowers stress-hormone levels.

In the hours after birth, babies are able to distinguish your scent from other people's and they prefer yours. It helps them bond with you

By the time they're born, babies show flavor preferences that generally follow the mother's tastes. They also show a clear affinity for sweets and a clear objection to sour foods from birth.

For more information on babies and their senses and other parenting tips, click here
Jessica Hartshorn & Erika Wortham