Welcoming a newborn into the world is an amazing experience, and it can also be a challenging one. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, there are always things about newborns that can surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 surprising things about newborns that you might not know.
- Newborns are born with a range of emotions
Contrary to popular belief, newborns are born with a range of emotions. Studies have shown that newborns are capable of feeling pleasure, distress, interest, and disgust. While they might not express these emotions in the same way as adults, they definitely feel them.
- Newborns have a sense of smell
Newborns have a highly developed sense of smell, and they can even recognize their mother’s scent within the first few days of life. This is why skin-to-skin contact is so important in those early days, as it helps to strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
- Newborns have a natural instinct to suck
Newborns have a natural instinct to suck, and they will often suck on anything they can get their hands on. This is because sucking helps to soothe and calm them, and it also helps to develop the muscles they will need for feeding.
- Newborns can see, but their vision is limited
At birth, a newborn’s vision is only around 20/400, which means they can only see objects 8-10 inches away from their face. Over time, their vision will improve, and they will be able to see more clearly.
- Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature
Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature like adults can, which is why it’s important to keep them warm and swaddled. They lose heat quickly, and it can be dangerous if they become too cold.
- Newborns can’t distinguish between night and day
Newborns don’t have a set sleep schedule, and they can’t distinguish between night and day. This is why they often wake at all hours of the night and sleep for long stretches during the day. It can take several weeks or even months for them to develop a more regular sleep schedule.
- Newborns have a strong grip
Newborns have a surprisingly strong grip, and they can even support their own weight for short periods of time. This is because they are born with a reflex called the Palmar grasp reflex, which causes them to grip onto anything that touches the palm of their hand.
- Newborns have a unique cry
Every newborn has a unique cry, and parents can often distinguish their baby’s cry from others. This is because a baby’s cry is influenced by a variety of factors, including their temperament, hunger, and discomfort.
- Newborns have more bones than adults
Newborns have around 300 bones in their body. This is because some bones haven’t fused together yet, which will happen over time.
- Newborns have a soft spot on their head
This soft spot is called the fontanelle, and it’s where the bones of the skull haven’t fully fused together yet. It allows the head to mold and pass through the birth canal. The fontanelle will eventually close, usually by age 2.
Newborns are full of surprises, and there’s always something new to learn about them. From their range of emotions to their unique cries and strong grips, newborns are truly fascinating. By understanding these things about newborns, you can better care for and appreciate your baby during their early weeks and months of life. So, take some time to marvel at all the amazing things your newborn can do, and enjoy this special time together as you get to know each other.