New babies can grip. A reflex is a move made without choosing to. When a palm is stroked, the baby's fingers close around a finger. This is the grasp reflex. It lasts until about 5 to 6 months of age, and then it goes away.

Rooting is a reflex too. When a cheek is touched, a baby turns toward the touch and opens its mouth. It helps the baby find food. This move is not chosen by the baby. It goes away in about 4 to 6 months.

The startle reflex is one more. A loud sound or a sudden move can make a baby stretch out its arms and legs. Then they are pulled back in. Like the others, it is a move made without choosing to.

Babies see close things best. A new baby's eyes focus on things 8 to 12 inches away. That is about as far as a parent's face. New babies like to look at faces. They also like to look at black-and-white patterns.

Babies can hear loud sounds from the start. They begin to know important sounds around them, such as the voice of someone who cares for them. Babies cry to tell the people near them what they need. A cry might mean food, a hug, a clean diaper or sleep. A gentle voice can calm a crying baby.

Up to about 4 months, babies coo. That means soft sounds like oooo. Later they babble. That means strings of sounds like tata. Around their first birthday, many babies say one or two simple words, such as hi, dog, Dada or Mama.

Babies begin to smile back at people who talk and smile to them. This usually happens within the first few months. Around 4 months many smile on their own to get a grown-up's attention. Around 6 months they laugh.

Babies slowly gain control of their heads. At first the head flops back if it is not held up. Babies also bring their hands to their mouths and put things in their mouths to explore. Around 6 months a baby reaches out to grab a toy it wants.

Words to know

• reflex: unchosen move
• rooting: finding food
• coo: soft sound
• babble: string of sounds
• startle: jump at once