Sensory Development of the Neonate> Smell and Taste

Newborn babies have the sense of smell from birth, but their sensitivity to smells is low. The taste sense is weak at first, but it grows quickly after birth.

• Babies can react to different smells.
• Pleasant smells attract their attention.
• Unpleasant smells make babies turn their faces away.
• Not many studies have been done about newborn smell sensitivity, but research shows that neonates can tell different smells apart.
• If a newborn strongly smells a particular scent, they can become more active.
• Some researchers believe smell sensitivity is poor at birth but grows over time.

• Taste sense is mostly absent at birth but develops very quickly.
• In the first two weeks, infants show a positive response to sweet things and a negative response to bitter things.
• Babies' taste sensitivity improves fast during the neonatal period.
• To know how babies react to taste and smell, observe their facial reactions.
• In one study, newborns sucked milk and glucose (sweet), but closed their mouths when given salty water.
• A baby who is full can tell taste differences better than a hungry baby.
• Some babies can react differently to quinine (bitter), salt, and sugar even on day one.

When babies are given milk or something sweet to drink, they suck and show pleasure. If they are given bitter or salty things, they stop sucking or close their mouth.

• Smell and taste are present at birth but grow stronger soon.
• Babies prefer sweet tastes and pleasant smells.
• Facial reactions help to know their likes and dislikes.