Information presented in this section of BringingUpBaby.Com® is based on family-centered care. The goal of family-centered care is to maintain and support the needs and desires of each individual in the family. "Family" may represent the traditional mother/father/child unit or may represent those persons participating in family roles of providing love, support, and care of mother, infant, and other children.

a. Sensation 1) The infant's first impressions of life are derived mainly through the sense of touch.   2) Touch should convey to the infant feelings of security, pleasure, and love.

3) Touching the infant in certain locations will cause reflex responses, depending on the area touched (e.g., stroking the cheek elicits rooting reflex, touching the mouth triggers the sucking reflex, touching the palm or hand activates the grasp reflex).

b. Vision 1) The infant is aware of differences in light. His or her eyes may follow large moving objects.   2) The infant has difficulty focusing his or her eyes. c. Hearing 1) The infant will respond to conversation-level sound.   2) Loud noises will evoke a startle response. d. Taste: Sense of taste and smell are not well developed.

e. Motor activity

1) Head control is poorly developed, although the head may be turned from side to side. The head needs support from the caregiver's hand until the infant is about 4 months of age.

2) The extremities (arms and legs) are drawn up close to the body.

3) The infant may exhibit many movements and should never be left alone on a couch, bed, or similar surface from which he or she may fall.