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Development and Characteristics of a Newborn Baby: What It’s Like to Be a Newborn

Last Updated: August 31, 2009

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Prenatal Tips for Your Newborn

Mother and newborn sleeping.jpg
  • I need someone to love me, feed me, hold me, and play with me.
  • I like to feel warm, and I don't like lots of noise.
  • I like to be held gently and very close.
  • I like to sleep a lot.
  • I am hungry every few hours.
  • I may be fussy and cry a lot.
  • I am usually red and wrinkly.
  • My head is large and my arms and legs are short.
  • When you hold me, place your arm under my neck to help support my head.
  • I keep my arms and legs curled up and my fists closed.
  • My skin may be flaky.


Learn more about Your Newborn Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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