Secrets of the infant nervous system: what parents need to know

Newborns, although seemingly helpless, have an amazing ability to quickly adapt to their new life. In their first few months, they exhibit incredible skills such as holding their heads up, focusing their gaze, controlling their limbs, and of course, smiling, sitting, crawling, and even walking.

tremor and muscle tone

One aspect of the infant nervous system is tremor, the rhythmic oscillation of body parts. It is a physiologic phenomenon that occurs in half of newborns. Tremor may accompany crying or screaming, but usually does not require treatment. However, it is important to monitor muscle tone, as it reflects the baby's motor activity.

It is typical for a healthy infant to have lower muscle tone in the legs than in the arms. For example, babies clasp their hands to their chest and clench their fists, while their legs are clenched at the joints and spread apart. These are normal variations, and only significant deviations may indicate problems with muscle tone.

developmental observations

Parents should closely monitor the development of three key components: voice of conscience, development, and quality. It is important to instill in the infant an understanding of right and wrong, to stimulate a desire to do the right thing, and to form a critical evaluation of one's own actions.

normal manifestations

Some infants may exhibit symptoms of an immature nervous system, such as increased salivation, marbled skin color, regurgitation, thermolability, respiratory and heartbeat disorders. However, these manifestations tend to subside in the first few months of life.

autonomic system and remodeling

The infant's autonomic system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. These systems have different functions and help the body adapt to changes in the environment. Realignment of the system can cause dissonance, which is usually short-term.

Understanding the nervous system of newborns will help parents cope more easily with the challenges of parenthood and ensure their baby's optimal development.