Newborn babies are tiny bundles of joy, but they’re also full of surprises!
While their cuteness steals the show, some incredible and little-known facts about them might just leave you wide-eyed.
Here are 6 fascinating habits and traits of newborns that many people don’t know about!
1. Newborns don’t cry tears (at first)
Wait, what? Babies cry all the time, don’t they? Yes, they do—but when they’re newborns, their cries don’t come with 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-fledged tear ducts needed for visible tears take a few weeks to kick in. So, those loud wails you hear in the early days? Dry as a desert!
2. They’re born with almost 300 bones
Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: newborns have around 300 bones in their tiny bodies, while adults only have 206. Where do the extras go? Many of these bones are made of cartilage and will fuse together as the baby grows. For example, several bones in their skull are separate at birth to help them fit through the birth canal safely. Over time, these bones join together, creating the structure we see in adults.
3. Babies have 10,000 taste buds
If you think you’re a foodie, think again! Newborns are born with about 10,000 taste buds, which is way more than adults (who have an average of 2000-10000 taste buds). These taste buds aren’t just on their tongues—they’re also on the insides of their cheeks, roof of the mouth, and even the throat. This heightened sense of taste allows them to distinguish between sweet, bitter, and sour flavours, though they show a natural preference for sweet tastes. As they grow, the number of taste buds decreases, leaving them with the same taste map as the rest of us.
4. They sometimes stop breathing briefly
Before you panic, let’s clarify—this is completely normal! Newborns can experience something called periodic breathing, where they pause for a few seconds between breaths. This happens because their respiratory system is still learning the ropes. These pauses are typically harmless and most common during sleep. If the pauses seem longer or come with other symptoms, it’s always good to consult a doctor for peace of mind.
5. They’re naturally right-headed
Ever noticed how your newborn prefers to turn their head to the right when lying down? This phenomenon is surprisingly common, with about 70-85% of babies showing this preference. A 2017 study says it’s linked to their brain development and motor coordination. This preference usually evens out as they grow older and start to gain better control over their neck muscles.
6. Their first smile takes time
Those adorable toothless smiles you’ve been waiting for? They don’t show up immediately! Most babies take about 6-8 weeks to flash their first social smile. Initially, the facial twitches you see are reflexive and not intentional. But as they start recognising faces and voices (especially yours), they’ll reward you with that heart-melting grin. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I know you, and I like you!”
