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Choking

Babies can choke when held too flat when eating. When feeding, hold your
baby's head upright and never prop a bottle. If your baby chokes, coughs or
spits up, stop the feeding, sit him up or hold him over on his side. Pat his
back gently until the choking stops then start the feeding again. New parents
should take an infant CPR class.
Senses

Babies are always growing and learning about the world around them.
Babies like being held, rocked, stroked and carried. A sturdy but gentle
touch can help them feel secure and calm. Babies love to hear you talk to
them and will listen to your voice and other sounds. Babies have a good
sense of smell. They can smell breastmilk or formula. Babies can follow
slow moving objects and can focus on things up to eight inches away.
Reflexes

Several reflexes are present at birth.
• There is a startle reflex where the baby's arms will flare out and their
legs will straighten when they hear a loud noise or are suddenly moved.
• The sucking reflex should be strong and vigorous.
• The rooting reflex is when the baby turns his head toward the breast or
nipple and may also open his mouth.
• The stepping reflex is when the baby makes a stepping movement when
held in a standing position.
• The grasping reflex is when the baby will hold on tightly to an object
placed in the baby's palm.

Talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse if you have any questions or
concerns.





2/2007. Developed through a partnership of Mount Carmel Health, Ohio State University Medical Center,
and OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio. Available for use as a public service without copyright restrictions at
www.healthinfotranslations.com.