1. Newborns Can't Cry
Newborn babies might cry out for your attention but they may not be able to produce actual tears right away. Right after birth a newborns tear ducts are not fully developed and it may take a few weeks or even months for the tear duct to mature (tear ducts are responsible for draining tears from the surface of the eye to the inside of the nose). In addition, newborns have limited control over their facial muscles, making it challenging for them to produce tears even if their tear ducts were fully functional. However, newborns can still feel emotions and express themselves through other means, such as facial expressions and vocalizations. While they cannot produce tears, it is important to maintain proper eye care for your newborn to avoid infections and other eye-related issues.
2. Newborns Have Poor Eyesight
Newborns have poor eyesight at birth because their eyes and visual system are not fully developed yet. They can only see objects that are close to their face, usually 8 to 10 inches away, and have trouble focusing on distant objects. However, their visual system develops rapidly during the first few months of life and by 2-3 months they are able to follow moving objects and focus on distant objects more effectively. To support your baby’s visual development it’s important to provide them with opportunities to look at high-contrast objects and engage in face-to-face interaction. It’s recommended that you take your baby in for regular eye exams to ensure that they have healthy eyesight and can develop their visual system properly, as some newborns may have a visual problem that needs to be addressed by an eye specialist.
3. Newborns Have A Strong Sense Of Smell And Can Recognize Their Mothers Scent
Newborns have around 5 million olfactory receptors, which are the specialized cells in the nose that detect and process odors. Although this is around the same amount as adults, a newborns naval cavity is smaller so the receptors are more concentrated. This means that newborns are more sensitive to smell than adults and can detect very subtle odors. Research has shown that newborns are particularly sensitive to the smell of their mother and they can even recognize her scent within just a few days on being born. This is thought to be due in part to the fact that newborns have a strong preference for sweet smells, and the scent of breast milk is sweet. Newborns are also sensitive to other smells in their environment and they may have a preference for certain odors. Some research suggests that babies may be soothed by the smell of vanilla or lavender.
4. Newborns Have A Strong Suck Reflex And Are Able To Latch Onto Their Mother's Nipple And Breastfeed
Newborns have a strong suck reflex that allows them to latch onto their mother’s nipple and breastfeed, which is an important part of their early development. Breast milk provides all the nutrient and antibodies a baby needs to grow and develop, and breastfeeding can strengthen the bond between mother and baby, while also reducing the mother’s risk of certain health problems. Although both mother and baby may need to learn how to position themselves correctly for a successful latch. If you choose to breastfeed your baby it is recommended for babies to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and continue while also introducing solid foods until at least one year of age.
5. Newborns Can Only See In Black And White, And Shades Of Gray
Newborns are not able to see in full color because the cones (the photoreceptor cells in the retina responsible for color vision) are not fully developed at birth. Instead they see the world in shades of gray, with some ability to differentiate between light and dark contrasts. The development of the visual system in babies is a complex process that starts during pregnancy and continues after birth. At birth, the eye structures that are responsible for vision are in place but they are not fully developed as it takes time for their eyes to adjust to the outside world and for their visual system to mature. Color vision is believed to develop gradually in the first few months of life. At around 2-3 months of age, most babies can distinguish between primary colors like red, blue and yellow. By 4 months of age, their color vision is similar to that of an adult.
6. Newborns Have Soft Pliable Skin That Is Prone To Rashes And Other Skin Irritations
Newborns have delicate and pliable skin that is thinner and more sensitive than adults, making them more susceptible to rashes and other skin irritations such as diaper rash, cradle cap, milia, eczema and infant acne. To prevent and manage these conditions it is important to keep your baby’s skin clean and dry, avoid harsh chemicals or irritants, change diapers frequently, use a mild and fragrance-free soap, and avoid over-bathing. If a rash or irritation persists or causes discomfort, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
7. Newborns Are Born With Natural Gripping Reflexes
Newborns have a strong and automatic gripping reflex known as the Palmar grasp reflex, which causes their fingers to curl around any object that touches the palm of their hand. This reflex is present from birth and provides your baby with a sense of security and comfort, as well as helping them to grasp onto things, including their parents’ fingers. The reflex is triggered by the stimulation of nerves in the palm of your baby’s hand and is usually stronger in their dominant hand. As your baby grows and develops, the Palmer grasp will gradually disappear and be replaced by more intentional grasping movements, which is an important part of their motor development.
8. Newborns Are Born With All Their Primary Teeth Buds
Newborns have primary teeth buds, which are the beginnings of their baby teeth and develop in the fetus during pregnancy. These buds are already present in your baby’s jaw at birth, but are not yet visible. Eventually, the primary teeth buds will grow into a full set of 20 primary teeth that typically begin to emerge through the gums at around 6 months of age. Baby teeth are important for chewing, speech development and maintaining space for adult teeth. While the primary teeth buds do not require special care, it is important to start taking care of your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to emerge, which includes gently cleaning them with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush and water.
9. Newborns Have A Soft Spot On The Top Of Their Head To Protect Their Brain During Birth
Also Known as a fontanel, there is a soft, open area on a newborn’s skull where the bones have not yet fused together. Newborns have two main fontanels: the anterior fontanel and the posterior fontanel. The anterior fontanel is located at the top of your baby’s head, near the front and it is the larger of the two. It is diamond-shaped and typically measures around 2 to 3 cm across. The posterior fontanel is located at the back of your baby’s head near the base of the skull, and is much smaller than the anterior fontanel.
Fontanels are important for your baby’s development as they allow the skull to remain flexible during childbirth and in the early months of life, which is essential for your baby’s brain growth and development. The fontanels also allow for some slight movement of the skull bones, which can help your baby pass through the birth canal more easily.
The fontanels will gradually close as the baby grows, with the posterior fontanel usually closing by around 2 months of age and the anterior fontanel closing by around 18 months of age. As the fontanels close, the bones of the skull will gradually fuse together, forming a more solid and rigid structure.
While fontanels are a normal and important part of a newborn’s development, it is important to be gentle and careful when touching the soft spots. Any excessive pressure or trauma to the fontanels can cause injury or damage to your baby’s brain or skull. If you notice any bulging or swelling of the fontanel, or if the fontanel is sunken, it is important to seek medical attention right away.