Physical developement:new born (0-6 weeks)

At birth, babies have very little physical control over their body yet are born with over 70 reflexes which are controlled by the central nervous system. These reflexes are present at birth and enable babies to survive.
-Sucking reflex: When the roof of baby's mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex is not fully developed until 36 weeks of pregnancy ,which is why premature babies often have a weak or immature sucking ability.
-Rooting reflex: The baby turns it's head searching for food when the side of the cheek or mouth is storked.
-Startle reflex: This reflex usually occurs if baby is frightened by a sudden noise or movement. In response the baby throws back his/her head, extends out arms and legs, cries and then pulls arms and legs into the foetal position.
-Palmar reflex: When anything is placed in baby's hands their fingers will close and they will grasp it. The grasp is strong but unpredictable; though it may be able to support the baby's weight, they may also release their grip suddenly and without warning.

Most of the newborn's reflexes die out in the first three month or so. They are gradually replaced by voluntary, controlled movements as the brain starts to take control of behaviour.

-Vision and Hearing:
Babies are sensitive to light and sound at birth.
Infants are only able to focus on an object no further than 30cm away.
When held in an upright position, newborn babies usually turn their eyes towards any large light soure and close their eyes to sudden bright light. They will also stare at objects close to their face and show special interest in the human face.
Infants usually turn their eyes to follow a face moved slowly within a quater circle.
A baby's hearing is fully developed at birth.
Newborn baby's may turn their eyes towards a nearby source of continued sound. Momentary stilling to weaker continuous sounds is also seen. It is common to observe a baby moving their amrs and legs to the sound of a familiar voice.

-Sleep patterns:
The first few days of a baby's life are usually composed of long periods of sleep interspersed with short periods when the baby is awake. It is usual for a newborn to sleep 16 and a half hours in a 24 hour period, but the length of sleep varies between each baby.