2 Week Old Baby Development

Your Growing Baby

Your Developing Baby

Your 1-week-old doesn't have much in the way of physical control, but he's hardwired with an array of automatic reflexes, such as flinging his arms out when you lay him down on the changing table too quickly, or sucking when you stroke his cheek. Those stimulus-response mechanisms are your baby's survival instincts at work -- and a sign that he's doing just fine physically and neurologically, which is why pediatricians always check for them. Most of these reflexes will fade over the next several months as coordination kicks in, but here are some to watch for:

• Rooting and sucking: Your baby will open and close his mouth and hunt for your breast or a bottle nipple when he's ravenous or when you rub his cheek. Even when there's no food at hand, he'll suck to calm himself.

• Stepping: Hold baby upright with his feet off the ground and he'll move his legs as if trying to walk. (So adorable!)

• Moro or startle reflex: If you tip him back suddenly, he'll fling his arms out like he's trying to break a fall. Ditto when he hears loud sounds or sees sudden movements. He might even startle himself out of naps, so it's handy to keep his arms swaddled tightly at his sides; it'll help him sleep better.

• Toe curling: Stroke the inside sole of your baby's foot and he'll curl his toes. Stroke the outside of his sole and he'll splay his toes.

• Grabbing: When you place a finger in his hand, he'll automatically wrap his fingers around it (a heart-melting move).


• Newborn Milestones
• Understanding Baby's Senses
• Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby