Newborns can see light and dark, shapes, and patterns. They can focus and clearly see things that are 18 to 45 cm (7 to 18 inches) away. When you hold your baby in your arms, this is about the distance between his/her face and yours.

During the first few months, you may notice that your baby's eyes wander or cross once in a while. Many babies experience this until they are better able to control their eye muscles.

If you are worried about your baby's eyes, talk to your health care provider or a public health nurse.

Newborns have excellent hearing. In fact, while they are in the womb, they can hear their own heartbeats as well as noises from the outside.

Babies like to listen to voices, music, and sounds like a washing machine or a dishwasher.

Sudden loud noises can make babies cry or wake them up. Even so, there is no reason to keep the house quiet for the baby. Babies get used to everyday noises.

Newborns can cry. After a few weeks, they can gurgle and make small sounds. Gradually, they begin to coo, babble, and laugh.

The best way to help babies learn to speak is to talk to them. Speak and sing to your baby as much as possible. Talk while feeding, bathing, and dressing your baby. Talk about what you see while taking a walk. What you say is not important, what matters most is that your baby hears your voice.

Newborns have a certain amount of control over their muscles. They can move their arms and legs, hold your finger, and turn their head toward the breast.

Babies' heads are wobbly and need to be supported when picked up. Babies cannot balance their heads well until they are a few months old.

Your baby's body, mind, and feelings all develop at the same time. Even in the first few weeks, you can teach your baby a lot.

This is how you can contribute to your baby's development.