Immediately after birth, there's often a 'magic window', where the newborn is attentive and looks at and responds to people. After this initial alert period, the baby will sleep for a long time.

Dads often miss this period, rushing out to inform friends and family of the good news. Here are some reasons why it's worth delaying the brandy and cigars for a couple of hours...

Here's lookin' at you, kid
An alert, calm newborn will stare intently at Mum when placed in her arms. Infants can imitate facial expressions - if Mum opens her mouth wide or sticks out her tongue, the baby will copy. Voices also attract attention and a newborn will turn in their direction.

Basic instincts
Newborns exhibit the sucking reflex when their cheeks are gently stroked. They turn towards the touch and purse their lips, then start sucking when their lips are touched.

Newborn babies will grip at anything that touches their palm until they develops the ability to reach for things. Babies also 'take steps' in their first week when held upright with feet on a firm surface but this reflex quickly disappears, as does the 'crawling reflex' that occurs when newborns are put on their stomachs.

Don't put me down!
Another reflex relates to a fear of being dropped, causing newborns to flex their limbs frantically when being picked up or put down. Remember to give tiny babies warning before moving them, and hold your child securely during transfer.

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