Here are reassuring reasons for baffling baby behaviors.

When you’re a brand new and freaked-out parent, nothing is obvious.  Your little bundle of joy may be the light and love of your life, but there will be things about her behavior that your sleep-deprived brain will find utterly baffling. These behaviors range from the truly bizarre to the incredibly lovable.

Here are explanations to some key baby behaviors that will encourage you to enjoy everything unique about this fleeting stage.

Why do babies grasp with an iron fist?

Your baby’s grasp might as well be a pair handcuffs—she can’t let go, and it’s tough to pull away. A baby’s grasping reflex is one of the first she’s born with.  It’s strong enough to support her weight for a few moments.  Research suggests that this reflex action comes from primates. Another study showed that when infants hold onto their mothers, their heartbeats slow down, suggesting that they feel calm and secure in Mommy’s presence.

Why do some babies fight sleep or wake up just when you think you can unwind?

The newness of existence in all its glory is the reason your newborn will fight sleep with the ferocity of a Tasmanian devil.  Sleep is boring and overrated, thinks your child.  Separation anxiety from the parents also keeps a baby crying.  And as she hasn’t figured out the concept of Night and Day yet, your baby will sleep whenever she feels like it.  One key factor is hunger.  Your baby’s stomach can hold just enough milk to keep her satisfied for 3-4 hours.  So be prepared for lots of sleepless night feedings

Why are babies veritable drool dispensers?

Is your baby starting to remind your of the neighborhood bulldog? A baby begins to drool when tooth buds under the gums sprout into teeth. Your baby’s teeth are already traveling upward at that point, and this initiates saliva production.  Unlike adults, it doesn’t occur to them to swallow excess saliva just yet. Drool also neutralizes stomach acid, soothes any irritation in the esophageal lining and activates enzymes that help your little tyke digest solid food.

Why do some babies tripod before they sit up straight?

We may take actions like sitting for granted, but try doing it if all your limbs had the rigidity of a marionette. Tripoding (plopped on the rump with arms straight out in front, hands flat on the floor like a sitting doggie) is a way for a baby to sit up unaided before she has the balance to sit without support.

Why do babies hit themselves?

While it may be an outlet for frustration or the irritation of teething, for young babies, the mere fact that they CAN hit themselves is some times be the only reason for doing it. They are gaining control of their body and might actually find slapping their tummy, for example, highly entertaining.

Why do some babies form attachments to blankets, stuffed toys and other fuzzy things? 

It’s all about familiarity—everything from the milky smell, a frayed satin edge, to that threadbare look gives your baby security and peace.  Resist the temptation to re-stuff a lumpy pillow or patch up a blanket that looks like it’s gone through a shredder. Its tattered state is precisely what makes it a comfort object. Babies who form an attachment to things are emotionally trying to make the world a less daunting place, substituting their parent’s absence for a constant item.  Unknowingly, they are teaching themselves self-soothing skills, an important developmental milestone.

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