When a baby is born, the first thing to do is an evaluation to make sure he or she is healthy. An Apgar test is generally used to perform the physical portion of the evaluation. When the baby leaves the mother it does not always appear healthy: it is normally purple in colour, bow-legged and covered in vernix caseosa. This is why the evaluation cannot be made only on physical appearance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay There are five categories of the Apgar test which is used to evaluate the newborn, appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and breathing. Of course the first step would be to check that the baby is breathing and has a normal heart rate. Then the child will be tested through his reflexes, “unlearned responses that are triggered by specific stimulation” (Kail and Cavanaugh 80). Speaking of reflexes, the baby's progress after birth can be determined by their function. For example; Rooting is the reflex with which the baby turns his head when being stroked, this is useful for the baby when breastfeeding. This normally goes away in three to four weeks, but failure to do so could pose complications. These tests are done 1 and 5 minutes after birth to make sure the baby is adjusting well and to make sure there are no complications. To further test your baby's understanding and well-being, a "Neonatal Behavioral Rating Scale, or NBAS" is available. ” (Kail and Cavanaugh 81) is used. This test included behavioral and reflex items to test the child's performance. These tests fall into four categories: autonomic, motor, state, and social. The autonomic category tests the child's bodily function , the motor category is self-explanatory as it tests the child's motor skills. The state category tests the child's "ability to maintain a state (remain alert or sleep)" (Kail and Cavanaugh 81) and the social category tests how the child interacts with others.Keep in mind: This is just one example.Get a Custom Paper Now from our Expert WritersGet a Custom Essay Overall, these tests are performed to ensure your child's safety and to provide an estimate of future health. There are many other tests that can be performed that were not mentioned, however the most frequently used ones were. There are many more reflexes and behavioral assessments to test the infant, however “infants are extraordinarily competent individuals and well prepared to interact with the environment” (Kail and Cavanaugh 81).