Newborn babies are incredible little beings. They might be small, but they are packed with surprises that can catch even the most prepared parents off guard.
When you think about a newborn, you probably imagine a tiny, fragile human who needs constant care.
While that’s true, babies also have some unexpected traits and abilities that are quite fascinating.
Becoming a parent or being around newborns often means learning new things every day.
Many parents and caregivers are surprised by how quickly a newborn changes, how they communicate without words, and how their tiny bodies are built to handle the world around them.
Whether you’re a new parent, planning to have a baby, or just curious about how newborns function, these facts will give you a deeper appreciation for the amazing journey they are on.
1. Babies Can Recognize Their Mother’s Voice From Birth
Newborns can recognize their mother’s voice right from birth! While they can’t yet see very far, their sense of hearing develops while they are still in the womb.
This is why they tend to be more comforted by their mother’s voice than any other sound. It’s as if they’ve already formed a bond before they are even born.
2. Newborns Have More Bones Than Adults
It’s hard to imagine, but newborns actually have more bones than grown adults. A baby is born with around 300 bones, while adults only have 206.
This is because many of their bones, especially in the skull, are still soft and flexible.
As they grow, some of these bones fuse together, forming stronger, more solid structures.
3. They Sleep A Lot, But Not For Long Periods
If you thought newborns sleep all day, you’re partly right. Newborns do sleep a lot—about 16 to 18 hours a day. However, they don’t sleep for long stretches at a time.
Their sleep cycles are shorter, often lasting just 2 to 4 hours before they wake up for a feed or a nappy change.
This is one reason why new parents often feel tired in the first few weeks!
4. They Can Breathe and Swallow at the Same Time
Newborns have a unique ability that adults lose as they grow older—they can breathe and swallow at the same time.
This is thanks to the way their voice box, or larynx, is positioned in their throat.
This ability helps them to feed without choking and is one of the many ways a newborn’s body is perfectly designed for survival.
5. Newborns Have a Strong Sense of Smell
Though their vision is still developing, newborns have an excellent sense of smell. They can even recognize their mother’s scent within just a few days.
This strong sense of smell helps them bond with their mother and feel secure. It’s one of the many ways a newborn connects with the world around them.
