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Chapter 3: Problem 9

Describe the physical capabilities of the newborn.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A newborn baby primarily has reflexive responses that include sucking, swallowing, and blinking. Over the first few months, these abilities gradually develop into more deliberate, purposeful movements, like lifting their heads, clenching and opening their hands, and focusing their eyes on objects at different distances.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Physical Capabilities

Newborn babies do not have extensive physical capabilities. They mostly have reflexive responses to stimuli. However, a few prominent physical capabilities include sucking, swallowing, and blinking.
02

Detail on the Identified Capabilities

Sucking and swallowing: This reflex helps in feeding. When something touches a baby's lips, the baby will naturally open their mouth and start sucking. This mechanism enables them to feed either from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Blinking: This reflex helps protect the baby's eyes from bright light or foreign objects.
03

Note Physical Progress

While initially, their movements are reflexive and random, over their first few months, newborns gradually gain more control over their muscles and start engaging in deliberate, purposeful movements. By the end of their third month, most babies should be able to lift their heads while lying on their stomach, clench their hands into fists and open them again, and focus their eyes on objects at different distances.

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