Babies are a source of endless wonder and joy. Their rapid development, unique abilities, and surprising behaviours make them endlessly fascinating. In this blog, we’ll explore 15 intriguing facts about babies that highlight just how incredible these little humans are.
1. Babies Have More Bones Than Adults.
At birth, babies have approximately 270 bones in their bodies due to the presence of numerous smaller bones that eventually fuse together as they grow, while adults have 206. As they grow, some of these bones fuse, such as those in the skull, which helps accommodate the brain’s rapid growth.
2. Newborns Recognize Their Mother’s Voice.
From birth, babies can recognize their mother’s voice. Studies have shown that a fetus can hear sounds from the external environment during the last trimester, creating a bond with their mother’s voice even before birth.
3. Babies are born with an innate ability to swim.
Newborns have a reflex known as the “diving reflex,” which allows them to naturally hold their breath and make swimming motions when submerged in water. This reflex fades within a few months after birth.
4. They Can’t Taste Salt.
Babies are born with a preference for sweet tastes and can detect sour and bitter flavours. However, they can’t taste salt until they are about 4 months old, likely due to their developing kidneys.
5. Babies Smile in the Womb.
Ultrasound technology has captured images of babies smiling in the womb. These early smiles are not in response to external stimuli but are likely a part of their natural development.
6. Newborns Have a Strong Grasp Reflex.
Babies have a powerful grasp reflex from birth, which is an evolutionary trait. This reflex, known as the palmar grasp, is so strong that newborns can hold their weight for a short period.
7. Their sense of smell is exceptionally well-developed.
Babies have an incredibly keen sense of smell and can recognize their mother’s scent within the first few days of life. This ability helps them bond and feel secure.
8. Babies Are Born with the Ability to Imitate.
Even at a very young age, babies can imitate simple facial expressions, such as sticking out their tongues. This skill is part of their social development and helps them learn to communicate.
9. Their Vision Develops Rapidly.
Newborns can see, but their vision is limited to about 8-12 inches, which is the perfect distance to see their mother’s face during feeding. By 6 months, a baby’s vision is much clearer and more focused.
10. Babies Triple Their Birth Weight in One Year.
In their first year, babies typically triple their birth weight. This rapid growth is fueled by the nutrients they receive from breast milk or formula, as well as the introduction of solid foods around six months.
11. Learning languages comes naturally to them.
Babies are born with the remarkable ability to learn any language. Their brains are wired to pick up on the subtle differences in sounds and tones, which is why they can learn multiple languages if exposed to them early on.
12. Babies Dream
While it’s difficult to know exactly what babies dream about, they do experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with dreaming in adults. This phase of sleep is crucial for brain development.
13. Their Heartbeats Are Rapid.
A newborn’s heart beats much faster than an adult’s, typically around 120-160 beats per minute. This high heart rate helps support their rapid growth and development.
14. They Can Show Emotions from Birth.
Babies can express a range of emotions from birth, including happiness, sadness, and discomfort. These expressions are a crucial part of their early communication and bonding with caregivers.
15. Babies Have a Unique Cry Pattern.
Each baby has a unique cry that parents can learn to recognize. Over time, parents can distinguish between cries for hunger, discomfort, or the need for attention, which helps them respond more effectively to their baby’s needs.
Babies are truly miraculous beings, equipped with an array of fascinating traits and abilities. From their rapid physical growth to their remarkable cognitive development, each stage of infancy reveals new wonders. Understanding these unique aspects of babies not only deepens our appreciation for them but also enhances our ability to nurture and support their growth effectively. As we marvel at these incredible facts, we are reminded of the profound journey that is parenthood and the joy that comes with watching a baby grow and thrive.
