 Much of a newborn`s physical behavior is reflexive in nature. He cannot voluntarily control most of his movements. The baby yawns, quivers, hiccups, stretches, and cries out unreasonably whether asleep or awake. Reflexes like rooting, sucking, and swallowing are reflexes that enable the baby to feed and these are essentially survival reflexes. Coughing and sneezing removes irritation or help avoiding unpleasant stimuli. A bright light may make her blink. A painful stimulus, like a pinprick in the heel will make him remove his heels.
A newborn is not helpless. His reflexes are strong enough for his survival. If you cover his nose and mouth, he will wiggle away from it, or attempt to knock it off with his arms. A baby lying on his tummy will turn it to the other side to avoid suffocation.
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