Remember that babies who are fragile must be respected for what it costs them to interact. They are often willing to interact a bit after they have been fed, so take advantage of these times. This will improve their tolerance for stimulation and may improve their self-control. Use one of these modes, and when you get a response, try adding a second stimulus, such as holding first and then talking. If you begin to see the early signs that the infant is becoming overstimulated, you are going too fast and will need to decrease the stimuli.
Flexible bodies are hallmarks of healthy babies.
When they are lying on their backs, normal infants easily lift their arms and move their hands and fingers together in front of their faces. They can also easily lift their hips and bring their feet up to their heads. They explore themselves to learn what they can do as well as where they end and the world begins. Parents are recognized within the first two weeks and by six weeks can be differentiated from others. These schemata pattern the brain and are thought to form the basis for all future learning.