As a new parent, you are probably in awe of the tiny human you have brought into the world. While caring for your little one can be overwhelming at times, it is also a rewarding experience. As you navigate this exciting journey, you may be surprised to learn some fascinating facts about newborns. Here are some intriguing examples that you may find astonishing.
Newborns’ Developed Senses
- Newborns develop their senses of smell and flavor before birth.
- They rapidly learn to identify us by our natural odor.
- This is why they can be comforted by close cuddling.
From the moment they enter the world, newborns are equipped with powerful senses that help them navigate their surroundings. In fact, they begin to develop their sense of smell and taste before they are even born. This is why they can recognize their mother’s scent and the flavor of breast milk. So, the next time your little one snuggles up to you, know that they are not only seeking your warmth but also your familiar scent.
Learning About Language and Sound
- Infants begin to learn about language and sound while still in the womb.
- At approximately 23 weeks, they can hear their mother’s voice and other stimuli.
Although newborns cannot speak, they are already learning about language and sound from the moment they are conceived. Research suggests that fetuses can hear their mother’s voice and other sounds as early as 23 weeks into pregnancy. By the time they are born, they have already developed a preference for their mother’s voice over others. So, go ahead and talk to your baby in the womb, as they are already listening and learning.
Crying Without Tears
- Babies do not produce tears during weeping until at least one month of age.
- They may lament frequently but not shed a tear.
As a new parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your baby cry. However, you may be surprised to learn that babies do not produce tears during weeping until at least one month of age. This is because their tear ducts are not fully developed yet. So, the next time your little one cries without tears, know that it is perfectly normal.
Tiny Tummies
- When newborns are born, their intestines are about the size of a hazelnut.
- They must feed frequently because they cannot consume all the milk they require at once.
- By the time they are ten days old, their stomachs are approximately the size of a poultry egg.
Newborns may be tiny, but they have big appetites. This is because their stomachs are incredibly small at birth. In fact, their intestines are about the size of a hazelnut, and they cannot consume all the milk they require at once. This is why they must feed frequently. However, their stomachs grow rapidly, and by the time they are ten days old, they can hold approximately a poultry egg’s worth of milk.
Natural Swimmers
- Newborns can reflexively hold their breath underwater.
- They can persist much longer underwater than adults.
You may be surprised to learn that newborns are natural swimmers. They can reflexively hold their breath underwater and can continue to do so automatically until they are approximately six months old. This is because their heart rate decreases, allowing them to conserve oxygen. So, the next time you take your little one for a swim, know that they are in their element.
Sleeping Positions
- Infants typically prefer to slumber with their chests facing the right.
- Only 15% of newborns prefer to turn to the left when lying on their backs.
- This preference typically disappears within the first few months.