If you’re expecting a baby in the near future, learn some interesting and little-known facts about newborns to help ease yourself through this big transition. You might be surprised!
Bone Number
Babies are born with 300 bones, but no kneecaps. In comparison, adults have 208 bones (and both kneecaps).
Natal Teeth
Natal teeth, or teeth that are present when a baby is born–occurs in one out of every 2,000 births!
Baby Brain
A baby’s brain will be 60 percent of its adult size by the time the child reaches her first birthday.
Changing Hair
Your newborn’s hair will change within the first six months of her life. For example, she could be blonde and develop bright-red hair, or go from curly to straight hair. The hair might fall out completely as well (don’t panic–it’s totally normal!).
Sweat
Babies sweat from their forehead only during the first few days of life. A premie baby won’t sweat until its 37th week!
Intense Growing Rate
Your baby grows at a crazy rate during her first year on Earth. If the child grew at the same rate throughout her life, she would be 170 feet tall by the time she reached adulthood.
Infant Acne
Did you know infants can have acne? Some 40 percent of babies have blemishes due to lingering hormones from your pregnancy.
Stork Bites
About 70 percent of babies develop “stork bites,” or red patches due to dilating blood vessels. These patches often become darker shades of red when the baby is crying or her temperature changes.
Sleep Patterns
Newborns sleep up to 16 hours a day (like cats!) in one to two-hour segments. Once they reach 6 months, they can sleep up to six hours without issue.
Urine
Newborn urine contains urates, a type of chemical that turns diapers pink or orange.