Newborns are little bundles of joy, but they’re also full of surprises! Even though their cuteness is gaining attention, some incredible and little-known facts about them might leave you wide-eyed. Here are 6 fascinating habits and traits of newborns that many people don’t know about!
Newborns don’t cry tears (at first)
Wait, what? Babies cry all the time, don’t they? Yes, they do, but when they are newborns, their cries are not accompanied by actual tears. why? Because their tear ducts are still developing! While newborns can produce enough moisture to keep their eyes from drying out, the full tear ducts needed to produce visible tears begin to function after a few weeks. So, those loud cries you hear in the early days? Dry as a desert!
They are born with almost 300 bones
Here’s a mind-boggling fact: newborns have about 300 bones in their tiny bodies, while adults only have 206. Where do the extra things go? Many of these bones are made of cartilage and fuse together as the baby grows. For example, several bones in their skull are separate at birth to help them pass safely through the birth canal. Over time, these bones fuse together to form the structure we see in adults.
Babies have 10,000 taste receptors
If you think you’re a foodie, think again! Newborns are born with about 10,000 taste buds, which is far more than adults (who have an average of 2,000-10,000 taste buds). These taste buds aren’t just on their tongues – they’re also on the inside of their cheeks, cheeks, and even their throats. This heightened sense of taste allows them to distinguish between sweet, bitter and sour tastes, although they show a natural preference for sweet. As they grow, the number of taste buds decreases, resulting in them having the same taste map as the rest of us.
They sometimes stop breathing for a short time
Before you panic, let’s be clear – this is completely normal! Newborns may experience so-called periodic breathing, when they pause for a few seconds between breaths. This is because their respiratory system is still learning the ropes. These pauses are usually harmless and most often occur during sleep. If the pauses seem longer or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor for peace of mind.
They are naturally right-headed
Have you ever noticed how your newborn prefers to turn his head to the right when lying down? This phenomenon is surprisingly common, with about 70-85% of babies preferring it. A 2017 study says it has to do with their brain development and motor coordination. This advantage usually levels off as they get older and start to have better control of their neck muscles.
How to stop hiccups in a newborn!
Their first smile takes time
Those adorable toothless smiles you’ve been waiting for? They do not appear immediately! Most babies take about 6-8 weeks to flash their first social smile. Initially, the facial twitches you see are reflexive, not intentional. But once they start recognizing faces and voices (especially yours), they will reward you with such a terrifying smile. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I know you and I like you!”
