15 Little-Known Facts About Newborn Babies

Babies are incredible beings, full of surprises and unique characteristics that often leave even experienced parents amazed. This article will dive into some lesser-known facts about newborns. Whether you're a new parent, an expecting one, or just curious, these tidbits about the youngest members of our species will surely pique your interest.

15 Newborn Baby Facts That Many Parents Wouldn't Know

Babies have some cool secrets! Even if you know a lot about babies, there are things that might surprise you. Let's check out some fun and interesting facts about newborns.

1. Babies are born with 300 bones.

While adults typically have 206 bones, babies are born with a whopping 300. As they grow, many of these bones fuse together. This is particularly noticeable in the skull. You might have felt the soft spots on a baby's head, known as fontanelles. These areas allow the bones to move and overlap during birth, making it easier for the baby to fit through the birth canal. Over time, these fontanelles close as the skull bones fuse together.

2. A newborn's stomach is the size of a cherry.

When babies are born, their stomachs are incredibly tiny, holding only about 5-7 millilitres of milk during the first feeding. This is one reason why newborns eat so frequently. As the days go by, their stomachs grow rapidly, allowing them to consume more milk and go slightly longer between feedings. This is especially good knowledge for parents to understand that their little one needs frequent nourishment in those early days. After 6 months, supporting their rapid growth, choosing the right nutrition, such as Else Nutrition's baby cereal, is crucial for the parents.

3. Newborns have a strong grip reflex.

Ever wonder why babies grab onto fingers so tightly? This is known as the palmar grasp reflex. Evolutionary scientists believe this trait can be traced back to our ancestors who needed to grip their mother's fur while she moved around. It's a reflex that ensures a baby can hold on tight, and it's incredibly strong. Over time, as babies develop more voluntary control over their movements, this reflex will fade.

4. They can't produce tears right away.

Though babies cry a lot during their first few weeks of life, they won't shed actual tears until they're between one to three months old. Before this, their eyes are kept moist by the small amount of liquid they produce. The tear ducts are still developing, and it takes a little time for them to start producing enough tears to roll down those chubby cheeks.

5. Babies have a unique communication tool: The Moro reflex.

The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is something many newborns exhibit. When they feel a sudden loss of support or hear a loud noise, they might react by throwing back their head, extending out their arms and legs, crying, and then pulling their arms and legs back in. This reflex is thought to be a baby's primitive fight-or-flight response. Fortunately, it's a phase and typically disappears around the age of 6 months as a baby's nervous system matures.

6. Babies breathe much faster than adults.

Don't be alarmed if you notice your newborn breathing rapidly. A typical respiratory rate for newborns can range from 30 to 60 breaths per minute, much faster than an adult's average of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This rapid breathing is essential for meeting a baby's high metabolic demands and oxygenating their growing bodies. As they grow and their lungs mature, their respiratory rate gradually slows down.

7. Newborns can recognize their mother's voice from birth.

While in the womb, babies get accustomed to the muffled sounds of the outside world, particularly the voice of their mother. From the moment they're born, they can recognize and are often soothed by hearing her voice. This early recognition plays a pivotal role in the bonding process between mother and child. It's a beautiful reminder of the profound connection formed even before birth.

8. Baby's first poop doesn't smell bad.

The very first stool a baby passes is called meconium, and it's unlike any other poop they'll produce later on. Meconium is a thick, sticky, tar-like substance that's greenish-black in color. Interestingly, it's almost odorless. It's made up of materials the baby ingested while in the womb, like amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. After a few days, as the baby begins digesting milk, their stool will change in consistency and smell.

9. Babies' eyes might change color.

Many babies, especially those of Caucasian descent, are born with blue or grayish eyes. However, this doesn't mean they'll keep those baby blues. The true eye color might take months to set, sometimes up to a year. The color change occurs due to the development of melanin in the iris, which is influenced by genetics. So, those baby blues could turn to shades of green, hazel, or brown as the baby grows.

10. Newborns don't have kneecaps.

Well, not in the way you might think. Babies are born with a cartilaginous structure in their knees, which doesn't ossify (turn into bone) until they're about 3-5 years old. This softer, more flexible structure aids in the birth process and allows for rapid growth in the early years of life. So while they technically have something akin to kneecaps, they're not the bony structures we're familiar with in older children and adults.

11.Babies have a built-in protection against certain diseases from birth.

Thanks to antibodies passed from the mother during pregnancy, babies are born with a temporary immunity to many diseases. This is nature's way of giving the baby a protective boost while their own immune system is still developing. However, this immunity doesn't last forever. As it starts to wane, other forms of immune protection like vaccinations and hygiene play a role in keeping the baby protected from various illnesses.

12. Babies don’t just cry; they have distinct types of cries.

Parents often become adept at distinguishing their baby's different cries. Whether it's a cry of hunger, pain, or tiredness, each has its own sound. Research has shown that these distinct cry types are a baby's way of communicating their specific needs. Over time, many parents learn to recognize these differences, allowing them to soothe their little ones more effectively.

13. Newborns have strong legs relative to their size.

If you've ever tried to hold down a baby's legs during a diaper change, you know they're surprisingly powerful! This leg strength comes from the months of kicking in the womb.

Some believe this is nature's way of prepping babies for the crawling and walking stages that lie ahead.

14. Babies Don’t Dream

If you've ever watched a baby sleep, you've likely seen them break into a sudden smile. While it's tempting to think they're dreaming of milk and cuddles, these smiles are often part of their REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle instead of dreaming. In fact, it’s believed that children don’t start having memoires that are vivid enough for dreams until age 2.

For babies, REM sleep is particularly significant, making up a larger portion of their sleep than in adults. Those dreamy smiles are a heartwarming glimpse into their evolving neurological system.

15. There’s a reason babies clench their fists

Have you ever noticed how babies frequently clench their fists? This isn't just a random action but is deeply rooted in their neurological development. In the early months of their lives, babies are discovering their own bodies and the world around them. The act of clenching and unclenching helps them develop muscle coordination and is also a comforting action that mimics the environment of the womb.

In Conclusion

Understanding these facts about babies helps parents better navigate the early stages of parenthood. With each new discovery, parents can feel more confident and informed about their baby's growth and development. Knowledge is a valuable tool in the rewarding journey of raising a child.

FAQ

Why don't babies shed tears right after being born?

Newborns have tear ducts that are still maturing. While they might produce some moisture to lubricate the eyes, it's common for the full tear production to start between 1-3 months of age.

Do all of a baby's initial reflexes stay with them?

No, several reflexes present at birth, like the grasp reflex and Moro reflex, typically fade as the baby grows and their nervous system advances.

When does a baby's eye color stop changing?

While a newborn's eyes might have a certain hue, their true eye color can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to become apparent. However, some changes might still happen after this period.

Why do babies have a soft spot on their heads?

The soft spot, or fontanelle, on a baby's head is there because the skull bones haven't yet fused together. This flexibility allows the baby's head to pass through the birth canal more easily and provides room for the rapid brain growth that occurs in the first year.

Do babies breathe faster than normal?

Yes, it's typical for newborns to breathe more rapidly than adults. Their respiratory rate can be as high as 40-60 breaths per minute, which is faster than the average adult rate. This is normal and helps them get the necessary oxygen they require for growth.