Most people know that newborns are small, wrinkly, and have a lot of hair. But there are many other interesting facts about them that you may not know.
For example, did you know that newborns can see better than adults? A newborn's eyesight is not as sharp as an adult's, but they can see better in low light and can better distinguish between colors.
Or that they have more bones than adults? A newborn has about 300 bones, while an adult has 206. However, many of the bones in a newborn are not yet fused together and will continue to fuse as the baby grows.
Read on to learn 10 interesting facts about newborns that you probably didn't know. You may be surprised by how different they are from adults!
1. Newborns can see, but only in black and white.
Newborn babies are born with the ability to see, but their vision is limited to black and white. This is because their brains are still developing the ability to process color information. As they grow and develop, their brains will learn to process color information and they will start to see the world in color.
2. Newborns have poor vision.
Newborn babies have poor vision. They can only see objects that are close to their face, and they have difficulty distinguishing between different shades of color. As they grow and develop, their vision will improve and they will be able to see things that are further away and to distinguish between different colors.
3. Newborns have a strong sense of smell.
Newborn babies have a strong sense of smell, which helps them to bond with their mothers. Studies have shown that newborns can distinguish between the smells of their mother's milk and other types of milk. This ability helps them to find the food they need and to avoid other substances that could be harmful.
The sense of smell is just one of the many ways that newborns are able to adapt to their new environment. They also have a strong sense of hearing and touch, which helps them to learn about the world around them.
4. Newborns have a strong sense of hearing.
Newborn babies have a strong sense of hearing. This is because their brains are still developing the ability to process sound information. As they grow and develop, their brains will learn to process sound information and they will be able to hear things that are further away.
5. Newborns have a strong sense of touch.
Newborns have a strong sense of touch. They are able to feel things very well and they react to touch very quickly. This is because their skin is very sensitive and they have a lot of nerve endings.
Touch is an important sense for newborns. It helps them to feel safe and secure. It also helps them to feel loved and to bond with their parents.
6. Newborns have a rooting reflex, which makes them turn their head and open their mouth when something touches their cheek.
A newborn baby has a natural reflex called the rooting reflex. This reflex makes them turn their head and open their mouth when something touches their cheek. This is how they find their mother's nipple and start to breastfeed. The rooting reflex disappears after a few weeks, as the baby starts to develop other ways of finding food.
7. Newborns have a sucking reflex, which makes them suck when something touches their lips.
When something touches a newborn's lips, it will automatically start to suck. This is called the sucking reflex and it helps newborns to feed. The sucking reflex is also important for helping newborns to soothe themselves.
8. Newborns can breathe and swallow at the same time.
While most of us adults have to choose between breathing and swallowing (we can do one or the other, but not both at the same time), newborns have the unique ability to breathe and swallow simultaneously. This is thanks to their larynx, which is located further back in their throat than in adults. This allows them to take small sips of amniotic fluid while continuing to breathe.
9. Newborns have a strong grip and can hold their head up for a few seconds.
As you might expect, newborns are born with a strong grip. They can hold their head up for a few seconds and their grip is so strong that they can even support their own weight for a short period of time. This is due to the fact that their bones are not yet fully developed and their muscles are very strong.
10. Newborns have very sharp nails
As a new parent, one of the things you may not have been expecting is just how sharp your newborn's nails can be. While it's tempting to simply let them grow out, you'll want to take care to trim them regularly. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with scratches - both for yourself and for your baby.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when trimming your newborn's nails:
1. Start with clean, dry nails. This will help you get a better trim and avoid any infection.
2. Use a baby nail file or clipper specifically designed for newborns. These are usually smaller and more delicate than regular nail files or clippers.
3. Only trim a little bit at a time. You can always trim more later if needed, but you can't put back what you've already trimmed off.
4. Be extra careful around the cuticles. These are the soft, sensitive areas around the base of the nail.
5. If you're not confident in your trimming skills, ask someone else to do it for you. Better to be safe than sorry!
By following these simple tips, you can keep your newborn's nails trimmed and healthy - and avoid any nasty scratches in the process.
11. Newborns are born with a natural ability to swim
Did you know that newborns are born with a natural ability to swim? It's true! This amazing ability is called the "Moro reflex," and it's present in all newborns.
The Moro reflex is a primitive reflex that is present at birth and usually disappears by four to six months of age. It is also known as the startle reflex. The Moro reflex is characterized by a sudden movement of the arms and legs followed by a cry.
The Moro reflex is a normal, developmentally appropriate response to sudden stimuli. It is also an important survival reflex. The reflex helps newborns protect themselves from danger.
The Moro reflex is usually elicited by a loud noise, bright light, or sudden movement. It can also be elicited by Touching or holding a newborn.
The reflex is named after Italian physician Angelo Moro, who first described it in the late 1800s.
So there you have it! Newborns are born with a natural ability to swim, thanks to the Moro reflex. This amazing reflex helps them survive and develop normally.
12. Newborns can see better than adults
When it comes to vision, newborns are far better equipped than adults. In fact, they can see at birth better than we can see at 20/20. This is because their eyes are still developing and they haven't yet learned to focus on objects.
It's not just their distance vision that's better, but newborns can also see colours and shapes more clearly than adults. So when you're marvelling at your little one's bright eyes, know that they're actually taking in even more than you are.
13. Newborns have a natural sense of rhythm
When it comes to music, newborns have a natural sense of rhythm, according to a recent study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, found that when exposed to a steady beat, newborns will move their bodies in time with the music.
This ability to keep a beat is thought to be linked to the development of motor skills and coordination. It may also be an important building block for language development.
So, if you're looking for a way to bond with your new baby, try putting on some tunes and dancing together. It's a great way to get moving and have some fun!
14. Newborns can recognise their mother's voice
A mother's voice is one of the first things a newborn baby can recognize. In fact, studies have shown that newborns can discriminate between their mother's voice and other female voices just two days after birth.
So why is a mother's voice so special to a newborn?
Well, for starters, a mother's voice is unique. No two mothers sound exactly alike, and a baby is able to pick up on these subtle differences.
What's more, a mother's voice is also familiar to a newborn. In the womb, a baby is constantly exposed to the sound of their mother's voice. This exposure continues after birth, as a mother talks to her baby and sings to them.
All of this exposure helps to create a strong bond between mother and child. And it's this bond that helps a newborn feel safe and secure in the world.
In conclusion, newborns are very interesting creatures. They are so new to the world and have so much to learn. It is amazing to watch them grow and change so quickly.
