Until recently, infant’s brain and behavior was described, in simple terms, as a bundle of reflexes, stemming only from the lower brain and spinal nerves; not until weeks later would the "higher" cerebral cortex begin to function, making voluntary behavior possible and at the same time inhibiting many early reflexes. This served to explain some of the surprising abilities that are present at birth, only to fade away for a period before they return in "true” form as self-directed actions.
Many specific researchers are now refuting the belief that the newborn uses only part of his brain. Studies indicate that the entire brain is involved to some degree in newborn behavior, and that some actions that appear to be reflexive are actually voluntary. In this view, one section of the brain will not take control away from other parts as the infant matures, even though there will be remarkable changes in the integration between parts of the nervous system. Many of the baby's future abilities have their counterparts in early behavior patterns. These rudiments of skills go underground for a time, but the infant's brain has stored the experience of many repeated, though limited, actions. Whether reflexive or voluntary, these serve as the link to future skills, which the baby will be prepared to tackle when his muscles and nervous system have sufficiently matured.
Supporting the evidence of integrated brain functioning are many observations indicating that reflex action alone cannot explain how a newborn baby is able to produce and modulate much of his behavior. The infant can make choices and he can pause in an activity such as sucking and switch his attention to something he hears; he can scan his surroundings then select an object for "study". He tries vigorously to defend himself against pain or annoyance. He will push or grab at a doctor's hand, or deliver a well-aimed kick with his free foot to rescue the other when it's held down for a blood sample.
In one test a cloth is lightly held over the newborn's eyes when he is interested in looking around. He tries to dislodge it by twisting his head, arching his back, then waving his arms. Repeatedly, his hands come close to the cloth. Some babies succeed in moving the cloth with their swipes; a few even grab hold of it. If the cloth is removed before the baby gets really upset, he instantly calms down and resumes his relaxed looking. Infants, as young as two days of age, have performed in this brain test.
Researchers have all sorts of ingenious ways to study babies, and they go through endless hours of recording minute details. Running filmed sequences in slow motion, for instance, they detect nuances of behavior that previously escaped notice of even trained observers; and each bit of information adds to their knowledge of human development. Parents are often puzzled by many odd aspects of newborn behavior that are perfectly normal behavior patterns performed by all normal infants. Yet how unexpected, even amazing, are some of these performances.
