Welcoming a newborn into your life is an incredible experience filled with joy, wonder, and, sometimes, a few surprises. Newborns are fascinating and complex, with many characteristics and behaviors that might catch new parents off guard. Here are some surprising things about newborns that you may not know.
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They Have More Bones Than Adults
Newborns are born with approximately 270 bones, while adults have 206. This is because some of the bones in a newborn's body are made of cartilage and will fuse together as they grow.
Their Vision Is Limited
Newborns can see, but their vision is quite limited. They can only focus on objects that are 8 to 12 inches away from their face. Over the first few months, their vision will improve, and they'll begin to see more clearly and at greater distances.
They Have a Strong Grasp Reflex
If you place your finger in a newborn's palm, they'll instinctively grasp it tightly. This is known as the palmar grasp reflex, and it's one of several reflexes newborns are born with that help them interact with the world.
They May Have Swollen Genitals
It's common for newborns to have swollen genitals due to the hormones they were exposed to in the womb. This swelling typically goes down within a few days after birth.
They Have Soft Spots on Their Head
Newborns have soft spots, or fontanelles, on their heads where the skull bones haven't yet fused together. These soft spots allow the baby's head to pass through the birth canal and give the brain room to grow.
They May Experience Baby Acne
It's not unusual for newborns to develop baby acne on their face. This is caused by hormones passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. Baby acne usually clears up on its own within a few weeks.
They Can Hear and Recognize Voices
Newborns have a well-developed sense of hearing and can recognize their parents' voices from birth. They are particularly attuned to high-pitched sounds and can be soothed by familiar voices and music.
They Sleep a Lot, but Not for Long Periods
Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, but their sleep is broken into short periods of 2 to 4 hours. This is because they need to eat frequently, as their stomachs are very small.
They Have a Unique Smell
Many parents notice that their newborn has a distinctive, pleasant smell. This unique scent is thought to help foster bonding between the baby and the parents.
They Can Breathe and Swallow at the Same Time
Newborns have a high larynx, which allows them to breathe and swallow simultaneously. This ability helps them feed more efficiently. However, this feature diminishes as they grow.
Their Skin Can Be Peely
In the first few weeks, it's common for newborns to have flaky, peeling skin. This is perfectly normal as their skin adjusts to the outside environment after being in the amniotic fluid.
They May Have an Irregular Heartbeat
It's normal for a newborn's heartbeat to be irregular at times, especially when they're sleeping or feeding. As long as they are otherwise healthy, this usually isn't a cause for concern.
Conclusion
Newborns are full of surprises, and understanding these unique traits can help new parents feel more confident and prepared. While some of these characteristics may seem unusual or unexpected, they are typically normal parts of a newborn's development. Enjoy getting to know your baby and marvel at the incredible process of their growth and change.