The first moments of a newborn’s life are extremely delicate and important. During this time, the baby undergoes precise medical steps to ensure a safe transition from the womb to the outside world. Immediately after birth, if the baby is medically stable, the healthcare team carefully dries the newborn’s body to maintain body temperature—often leaving the hands untouched so the baby can retain the scent of amniotic fluid, which instinctively guides them toward breastfeeding.
Next come securing the airway and cutting the umbilical cord, followed by one of the most important emotional and physical stages: skin-to-skin contact, where the baby is placed directly on the mother’s chest. This practice not only calms the newborn and helps regulate heart rate, but also stimulates the instinct for early breastfeeding, laying the foundation for healthy physical growth and a strong maternal bond.
So, what are some unique facts about newborns that parents should know? According to raisingchildren, here are important insights every mother should be aware of.
A Newborn’s Need for Calm and Sleep
Sleep is the primary activity of a newborn in the first days of life. A baby may sleep up to 20 hours a day, but in short intervals ranging from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours. This fragmented sleep pattern is due to the baby’s urgent need for frequent feeding, as their stomach is very small and cannot hold large amounts of milk.
It is essential for mothers to provide a safe and calm sleep environment by keeping the room temperature moderate, placing the baby on their back on a firm, flat surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and avoiding blankets, pillows, or any objects that could obstruct breathing or cover the baby’s head during sleep.
What Stool Color Indicates
The first 48 hours after birth are a vital indicator of a newborn’s digestive health. During this time, the baby is expected to pass their first stool, known as meconium, which is dark black and sticky, composed of substances the fetus absorbed in the womb.
Over the next five days, the stool color gradually changes from black to green, then to a golden yellow—an encouraging sign that the baby is receiving enough breast milk. Urination should begin within the first 24 hours and should be clear and not concentrated, occurring about 5–6 times daily. Any delay in these signs requires immediate medical evaluation to ensure proper kidney and digestive function.
The Moro Reflex
Many mothers notice sudden movements in their babies, as if startled: the infant spreads their arms outward, opens their hands, then quickly pulls them back toward the chest. This is known as the Moro reflex, a natural response triggered by a sudden sound or a feeling of losing balance.
This reflex is an instinctive signal seeking protection or comfort—often from the mother—to restore a sense of security. It gradually fades as the baby’s nervous system matures and muscle control improves. In the early months, however, it is an important indicator of healthy neurological development and responsiveness to external stimuli.
The Absence of the Kneecap at Birth
One fascinating fact is that babies are born without a fully formed kneecap (patella). Instead, newborns have soft, flexible cartilage in the knee area. This cartilage allows the baby to remain curled in the womb, facilitates childbirth, and protects the joints during early movements such as crawling.
Over time, this cartilage gradually hardens into bone as the child grows and becomes more active. This process typically progresses significantly after six months, providing the knee with the stability needed for standing and walking later on.
Exploring the World Through the Mouth
In the early months, a newborn’s mouth is the primary tool for exploring the world. The most sensitive touch receptors are concentrated in and around the mouth, which is why babies tend to put their fingers—or any object they can grasp—into their mouths.
This behavior, known as oral sensory exploration, helps babies understand texture and temperature. It becomes more noticeable between the third and fifth months, as hand coordination improves. This stage is crucial for brain development and early sensory-motor intelligence.
Newborn Body Hair (Lanugo)
Some parents are surprised to see fine, dark hair covering parts of their newborn’s body, such as the back, shoulders, or even the face. This is completely normal and is called lanugo.
Lanugo plays an important role during pregnancy by protecting the baby’s delicate skin from amniotic fluid. It usually sheds before birth or within the first few weeks of life. Genetics influence its thickness and color, and it is not a cause for concern, as it naturally disappears over time.
Language Learning and Early Vocal Connection
A baby’s journey toward language begins remarkably early—around the 23rd week of pregnancy—when the sense of hearing becomes fully developed and the fetus starts recognizing external sounds.
After birth, newborns are especially soothed by their mother’s voice and enjoy being spoken or sung to, as it provides a sense of familiarity and security reminiscent of the womb. A mother’s unique scent also helps calm the baby when distressed. Reading and talking to a baby from day one supports future language and social skills, as the brain stores sounds and rhythms that pave the way for first words around the age of one.
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