Final answer:
Newborns can see objects best at a distance of about 18 inches, with a preference for human faces and high-contrast patterns. Their hearing is developed, showing a preference for their mother's voice, while they have a strong sense of distinguishing their mother’s scent. Parents should interact face-to-face, provide distinct visual patterns, engage in calm verbal communication, and offer gentle tactile stimulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vision in Newborns
The vision of a newborn is limited due to the immaturity of the retinas and the brain's visual regions. Newborns typically focus on objects that are 46 cm (about 18 inches) away, which is an optimum distance for viewing their mother's face during nursing. Visual stimuli that are effective for newborns are usually shiny objects, sharply contrasting colors, or complex patterns. However, the most captivating visual stimulus for a neonate is a human face.
Hearing and Smell in Newborns
The hearing in newborns is quite developed, and they generally prefer the sound of their mother's voice over strangers', responding positively to voices and familiar sounds they have heard in the womb. Loud or sudden noises can startle them. Newborns also have a keen sense of smell, notably the ability to distinguish their mother's scent from others.
Providing Sensory Stimuli
To stimulate a newborn's senses effectively, parents should engage in face-to-face interaction, talk and sing to the baby using calm voices, and provide objects with distinct patterns within their visual range. Soft tactile stimulation is also recommended, such as gentle rocking or stroking, which can be soothing.