Newborn babies are little bundles of joy, but they’re also full of surprises! While their cuteness steals the show, there are some incredible and little-known facts about them that might catch your eye. Here are 6 interesting habits and traits of newborns that not many people know about!
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 produce real tears. Why? Because their tear ducts are still developing! While newborns can produce enough moisture to keep their eyes from drying out, it takes a few weeks for clogged tear ducts to appear. Dry as the desert!
They are born with about 300 bones.
Here’s a surprising fact: newborns have about 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 separate at birth to help them fit safely through the birth canal. Over time, these bones fuse together, creating the structure we see in adults.
Babies have 10,000 taste buds.
If you thought you were a foodie, think again! Newborns are born with about 10,000 taste buds, far more than adults (who have an average of 2,000-10,000 taste buds). These taste buds aren’t just on their tongues—they’re on the inside of their cheeks, the roof of their mouths, and even their throats. This heightened sense of taste allows them to distinguish between sweet, bitter and sour tastes, although they show a natural preference for sweet tastes. As they grow, the number of taste buds decreases, leaving them with a taste map like the rest of us.
They sometimes stop short of breathing.
Before you panic, let’s be clear—this is completely normal! Newborn babies may experience intermittent breathing, where they pause for a few seconds between breaths. This happens because their respiratory system is still learning the ropes. These breaks are usually harmless and are more common during sleep. If the interval seems long or comes with other symptoms, it is always good to consult a doctor for peace of mind.
They are naturally on the right.
Have you ever noticed how your newborn prefers to turn his head to the right when lying down? This tendency is surprisingly common, with about 70-85% of children showing this preference. A 2017 study It is said to be related to their brain development and motor coordination. This preference usually becomes the same as they get older and begin to gain better control of their neck muscles.
How to prevent hiccups in newborns!
Their first smile takes time.
Those cute toothy smiles you’ve been waiting for? They don’t appear immediately! It takes about 6-8 weeks for most babies to flash their first social smile. Initially, your facial wrinkles are reflexive and not intentional. But as soon as they start recognizing faces and voices (especially yours), they’ll reward you with that heart-melting smile. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I know you, and I like you!”