Babies are fascinating little humans with quirks and abilities that will amaze you. They start learning and adapting even before they’re born. Did you know they begin learning to speak while still in the womb? Despite this early start, their first words won’t come until their first birthday. Babies can also recognize familiar sounds and voices while in the womb, making them more receptive to their mother’s singing and talking than a stranger’s voice.
Babies grow incredibly, increasing their height by about an inch every month during their first year. But did you know their eyesight is limited in the beginning? They can’t see you clearly at first. Let’s dive into some more surprising facts about these adorable little humans.
1. Babies Stop Breathing Sometimes
This one is startling for many parents, especially first-timers. Babies can forget to breathe for 5 to 10 seconds if the respiratory centre of their brain isn’t fully developed. This phenomenon, known as periodic breathing, is common in newborns. While it might seem alarming, babies typically resume breathing on their own. However, seek immediate medical attention if they stop breathing for longer or turn blue.
2. They Scare Themselves
Babies are born with the Moro reflex, a startle response to sudden stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or abrupt movements. Even their own cries can trigger it! When scared, they throw out their arms, then curl them back in and might start crying. It’s a protective instinct that fades as their nervous system matures. Holding and comforting them is the easiest way to calm them down.
3. They Don’t Need Water
Babies under six months get all their hydration from breast milk or formula. Giving water to a young baby can upset their stomach or interfere with proper nutrition. Wait until they’re older before introducing water to their diet.
4. They Cry Without Tears
In their first month of life, babies cry a lot but don’t shed tears. This is because their tear glands are still developing. Tears usually start flowing between four to six weeks after birth, so don’t worry if you don’t see them right away.
5. Baby Boys Have Erections
Yes, it’s perfectly normal! Baby boys can have erections even before birth, visible during ultrasounds. After birth, they may have erections when they’re touched or just before peeing. It’s a natural response and nothing to be alarmed about.
6. They Have More Bones Than Adults
Babies are born with about 300 bones, while adults have 206. How? Many of a baby’s bones, such as the skull, are made of cartilage and fuse together as they grow. This flexibility allows their heads to fit through the birth canal and helps them adapt to their bodies’ rapid changes during development.
7. They Have Superpowers
Babies can multitask like pros: they can breathe while drinking. This ability, called the epiglottis reflex, ensures they can breastfeed without choking. Adults lose this skill as they grow.
8. Babies Are Born Swimmers
Babies are natural swimmers and instinctively hold their breath underwater. They’ll also move their arms and legs in a swimming motion. This reflex, called the “swimming reflex,” fades after a few months, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into their natural instincts.
9. Newborns Are Short-Sighted
Newborns can only see objects 20 to 30 centimetres away—the perfect distance to focus on a parent’s face while feeding. They also see the world in black and white at first. Their vision and ability to perceive colours improve significantly by the time they’re a year old.
10. Babies Can’t Taste Bitter or Salty Flavors
Newborns are born with a preference for sweet flavours, like breast milk. Their taste buds aren’t developed enough to detect salty or bitter tastes. However, they can distinguish bad smells and might refuse milk that’s gone bad.
Babies are full of surprises, and these facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Do you know of any other quirky or unusual baby facts? Please share them in the comments below!